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A flash flood caused by heavy rain struck a tourist site in northwestern China on Sunday, killing 10 people and injuring 23, according to reports on state-run broadcasters.
“A mountain torrent triggered by short-term heavy rainfall at a scenic spot in Weiyuan County, Dingxi City, trapped some campers” at the location in Gansu Province, state broadcaster CCTV said.
An earlier report by CCTV identified the location of the flash flood as the Shuangshimen Scenic Area in the rugged, mountainous stretches of southern Gansu – roughly 1,200 kilometres southwest of the capital Beijing.
Shuangshimen is known for its natural stone arches, alpine meadows and mountain streams. It is a popular summer camping spot.
“The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment and another 174 people have been rescued,” CCTV said citing local officials.
Large swathes of southern China were on high alert for floods on Sunday after Typhoon Noul made landfall early in the morning. Many areas remained on heightened alert into Monday morning.
Parts of Gansu – which is far from Noul’s path – also experienced heavy rainfall on Sunday, with local authorities across the province issuing severe weather alerts, and ordering residents to remain indoors, heed safety instructions and exercise caution.
Additional sources • AFP