Heavy rains in Chongqing, China, leave 11 dead and 11 missing

Taipei, May 25 (CNA) - Heavy rains continue to batter China, with Chongqing becoming a major disaster area. Yongchuan District, located in the far western suburbs of Chongqing, has been hit by extreme rainfall since late on the 23rd, triggering landslides and other geological disasters. According to local official reports, as of 3:30 PM today, the death toll from the rain disaster in the district has risen to 9, with 11 people still missing. The total death toll from the rain disaster in Chongqing has risen to 11. CCTV News reported that Yongchuan District experienced sudden, extreme rainfall from late on the 23rd to early on the 24th, with a record 296.6 millimeters of rain falling within two hours. Due to the vast mountainous area in Yongchuan, landslides occurred in several places, including Chashan Zhuhai Street, Zhongshan Road Street, and Shuangshi Town. According to reports, as of 3:30 PM today, some areas in Yongchuan remain flooded, and some parts are still without water and electricity. Local authorities have mobilized a large number of personnel to begin recovery operations. In addition to Yongchuan, Beibei District in Chongqing also experienced heavy rain from late on the 23rd to the morning of the 24th, with Xinglong Town recording 59.4 millimeters in one hour and 122.9 millimeters in three hours, resulting in two deaths. In view of the severe flooding and geological disasters in parts of Chongqing, causing casualties and property damage, China's National Development and Reform Commission urgently allocated 20 million yuan (approximately 92.55 million NT dollars) from the central budget on the 24th for disaster relief, focusing on the reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, as well as public service facilities such as schools and hospitals.