16 killed, dozens missing in flash floods in China

Sixteen people have been killed and dozens are missing in flash flooding in northwest China after a sudden downpour triggered mudslides and caused a river to change course, state media reported on Thursday. More than 6,200 people from six villages were affected by the floods, according to the state broadcaster CCTV.

As of noon on the 18th, 16 people have been killed and 36 are missing, according to CCTV, which said rescue work was ongoing.

The deluge comes during a summer of extreme weather in China, with several cities clocking their hottest days on record.

A video feed of the aftermath published by state media showed roads covered in mud, uprooted trees, damaged homes and rescue workers carrying shovels.

According to the state media report, a frontline headquarters has been set up to organise the emergency response.

The rescue work is progressing in an orderly manner, the report said, adding that a sudden heavy rainfall Wednesday night had triggered the situation.

Scientists say extreme weather will likely grow more intense as temperatures rise, as extreme weather around the world has become more frequent due to climate change.

In June, severe flooding in southern China displaced more than half a million people and caused an estimated US $250 million in damage.