A highway collapse in southern China’s Guangdong province has resulted in the deaths of 36 people and injuries to 30 others. The collapse, which occurred due to heavy rains causing a stretch of road to cave in, trapped over 20 vehicles and involved 54 people. The incident has been attributed to extreme weather events that have been much heavier than expected and linked to climate change. Rescue operations have been ongoing with 500 people dispatched to help in the effort.
The collapse occurred along a road running from Meizhou city towards Dabu county, with vehicles careening into the 18-meter-long gash in the road and plummeting down a steep slope. State media reported that the injuries sustained by those involved in the collapse were not life-threatening. Footage from the scene showed excavators digging through the muddy hillside below the collapsed road, while a crane lifted charred, wrecked vehicles onto a lorry. The collapse has been described as a “natural geological disaster” caused by the impact of persistent heavy rain.
The storms in Guangdong province have caused a series of disasters recently, with the provincial government mobilizing elite specialized forces to carry out search and rescue operations. The death toll from the highway collapse increased from 24 people on Wednesday afternoon to 36 people on Thursday morning. The government closed part of the S12 highway in both directions, requiring detours for motorists. The province has been hit hard by the impact of extreme weather conditions, which have led to several disasters.
The collapse has highlighted the challenges posed by the effects of climate change, with extreme weather events leading to unexpected disasters such as the highway collapse in Guangdong. The province, known for its densely populated industrial areas, has been grappling with the aftermath of heavy rain and storms that have caused significant damage and loss of life. The response from the government and rescue teams has been swift, with hundreds of people involved in the search and rescue operations to assist those affected by the collapse.
As the rescue efforts continue in Guangdong province, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured in the collapse and the search for any remaining survivors. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and response measures in the face of extreme weather events and natural disasters. The closure of part of the S12 highway and the detours for motorists underscore the need for caution and vigilance in navigating areas prone to such incidents. With the death toll from the collapse rising, the community in Guangdong and beyond mourns the loss of lives and hopes for a swift recovery for those affected by the tragedy.
