10 killed in China as heavy rains cause landslides

At least 10 people have died in house collapses and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in southwestern China. With authorities responding to the disaster, more than 21,000 people have already been relocated to safer areas, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

As part of precautionary measures, 21,784 residents have been evacuated from multiple disaster-hit regions, including the cities of Chengdu and Zigong in Sichuan province, according to the report.

According to the country's disaster management and emergency rescue authorities, five people died in a tragic accident on Tuesday (August 18) during an event at a house in Xinbao village, Changqing county, Sichuan province.

The authorities said a villager had organised a feast in his courtyard to celebrate his children's college admission. To shelter guests from the rain, a temporary canopy was tightly tied to a nearby wall. However, the continuous rainfall accumulated excess water on the canopy, causing the entire structure, along with the wall, to collapse under the weight. Three people died at the scene, and two more died later in hospital.

Seventeen others injured in the incident are currently receiving treatment. It remains unclear whether any children or young people were among the casualties.

Sources: The Straits Times