Residents salvage their belongings after heavy rainfall flooded Wanzhou district of Chongqing, China July 4, 2023. cnsphoto via REUTERS
BEIJING — China’s President Xi Jinping demanded government authorities at all levels give top priority to ensuring people’s safety and property as torrential rains cause devastating floods, deadly mudslides and geological disasters in the country. Over the past few weeks, heavy downpours in southern, central and northern provinces and regions have displaced thousands, destroyed bridges and washed away cars and homes.Xi’s comments, reported by state media on Wednesday, came after heavy rainfall hit several areas including southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, causing casualties and property losses.
Videos on social media showed raging rivers in towns and cities, and people being evacuated in waist-deep water.