Rescue Efforts Intensify Following Deadly Mountain Torrents in Gansu Province, China

Rescue teams are actively working to clear a blocked road in Mapo Town, Yuzhong County, following devastating mountain torrents that struck Gansu Province on August 8, 2025. The catastrophic floods have claimed the lives of 10 individuals, with 33 others reported missing as of Friday afternoon. In response to the crisis, President Xi Jinping has called for urgent search efforts and disaster relief operations to address the situation caused by the heavy rainfall affecting the area, particularly Yuzhong County and the provincial capital and surrounding regions.

President Xi highlighted the critical need to locate the missing persons through all possible means, relocate those at risk, reduce casualties, and restore vital communication and transportation infrastructure as quickly as possible. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of enhancing early warning systems and addressing potential hazards to ensure safety during extreme weather events. Premier Li Qiang echoed these sentiments, urging a prompt rescue of trapped individuals and the swift repair of damaged infrastructure.

During a press conference held in Gansu, local officials provided updates on the rescue operations and the ongoing efforts to rehome affected citizens. They observed a moment of silence for the victims while revealing that approximately 2,002 people across various townships have been impacted by the floods. The Ministry of Emergency Management has deployed a team to oversee rescue activities, and senior officials in Gansu are coordinating relief efforts amid the ongoing crisis.

In light of the flooding, multiple government agencies have initiated disaster relief strategies. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has activated a Level IV national emergency response system, sending a team to evaluate the situation and assist local authorities in providing essential support to affected residents. The central government has also allocated significant funds to facilitate rescue operations and address the immediate needs of those displaced by the disaster.

Rescue teams, including civil groups, have joined the efforts, with teams deploying in severely impacted areas like Maliantan village. They are clearing debris and navigating challenging conditions to provide aid and supplies. The China Anneng Group has mobilized experts and advanced equipment to assist with rescue operations, highlighting the severity of the floods within an area normally characterized by dry conditions prone to soil erosion.

Experts have emphasized the necessity of improving responses to climate-related extreme weather, suggesting that ongoing research and assessment of climate risks and urban resilience are essential. This event underlines an urgent need for enhanced capabilities in monitoring, forecasting, and emergency preparedness in the face of climate change.