Tropical Storm Maysak Kills 39 in Southern China Floods

Authorities in southern China have confirmed that at least 39 people have died in flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Maysak, which battered the region with days of relentless heavy rainfall before making landfall.

The storm, which formed over the western Pacific, moved across parts of southern China including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian provinces, where it dumped enormous volumes of rain on already saturated ground. Rivers burst their banks, roads were washed out, and thousands of homes were inundated.

Rescue Operations Underway

Chinese emergency services deployed thousands of rescue workers, boats, and helicopters to reach stranded residents. State media showed footage of rescuers carrying elderly people through floodwaters and boats navigating submerged streets. Provincial officials said dozens of people remained missing.

The People's Liberation Army also deployed units to the hardest-hit areas to assist with rescue and recovery operations. Power outages were reported across multiple counties, and transportation links including highways and rail lines were disrupted.

Climate Context

Southern China is regularly battered by tropical storms during the summer months, but climate scientists say the storms are becoming more intense and unpredictable due to rising sea surface temperatures in the Pacific. This year's typhoon and tropical storm season has been particularly active, with several major systems striking the region in quick succession.

The flooding from Maysak comes just weeks after similar flood disasters struck other parts of Asia, including Vietnam and the Philippines. Disaster risk experts have called for stronger investment in flood infrastructure and early warning systems across the region.