Severe flooding hits Southwestern China, damages homes and infrastructure in Yunnan province

Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, destroying dozens of homes and vital infrastructure in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, local authorities reported on Monday.

As of Sunday, 27 houses and 16 bridges had been damaged or destroyed by torrential rains and fast-moving floodwaters. The mountainous region, known for its deep valleys and rugged terrain, also suffered multiple road closures due to accompanying landslides.

Despite the scale of the destruction, no fatalities or injuries have been reported so far, a significant relief given that the flooding occurred during a national holiday, with the area hosting hundreds of tourists.

Rescue operations have been complicated by dense fog in parts of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, further delaying aid delivery and evacuations. Nevertheless, authorities managed to evacuate 300 tourists from the Meri Snow Mountain scenic zone, while several hundred local residents were also relocated to safer areas.

More rainfall is forecast over the coming days, raising fears of further flooding and landslides. Emergency services remain on high alert, with efforts underway to restore access to affected areas and deliver supplies to displaced communities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of China’s mountainous regions to extreme weather events, particularly as the country enters its annual flood season. Local governments have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution and monitor official advisories.

Copied