Southern China highway collapse results in death of at least 24 people

At least 24 people tragically lost their lives after a section of a highway collapsed in southern China’s Guangdong province due to heavy rains. The incident occurred between Meizhou city and Dabu county, where a stretch of road caved in early Wednesday morning, trapping 20 vehicles and a total of 54 people.

Rescuers worked tirelessly to save those affected by the collapse, with 24 confirmed dead and 30 receiving emergency care in hospitals as of the latest update. The downpours in Guangdong have been unusually heavy, causing severe flooding and landslides in the region, which have been linked to accelerating climate change.

Aerial photographs and videos from the scene showed the devastating aftermath of the collapse, with wrecked vehicles lying in a muddy pit where the highway once stood. Emergency vehicles and cranes were deployed to assist in the recovery efforts.

This incident is just one in a series of disasters in Guangdong attributed to extreme weather events in recent weeks. The province has experienced unprecedented flooding and a deadly tornado, highlighting the impact of intensifying climate change on the region.

Authorities have mobilized around 500 personnel to aid in the rescue operation, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance in the face of such natural disasters. The closure of part of the S12 highway and the order for drivers to take detours underscore the ongoing challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions in Guangdong.