Rescue teams in China continued search and relief operations on Wednesday after severe storms and flooding triggered by Typhoon Maysak left at least 17 people dead, forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate and caused widespread damage across several regions. Authorities warned that heavy rainfall would continue in parts of southern China, raising concerns over further flooding, landslides and damage to critical infrastructure.

In the southern region of Guangxi, six people were killed and around 130,000 residents were evacuated following torrential rains and severe flooding, according to regional officials. The extreme weather caused nearly 40 rivers and waterways to overflow, sending fast-moving muddy water into affected areas and damaging nearly 13,000 acres of agricultural land, state media reported. Rescue workers were deployed in flooded communities as authorities searched for missing residents and provided emergency assistance.

Footage released by state broadcaster CCTV showed powerful floodwaters surging through areas affected by the disaster, including a reservoir dam that reportedly burst in Guangxi. Rescue personnel wearing life jackets were seen using inflatable boats to navigate through flooded zones and reach people trapped by rising waters. Emergency teams have been working to assess damage, evacuate residents from high-risk areas and restore basic services disrupted by the storms.

Also Read: Typhoon Maysak Triggers Severe Flooding, Nanning City In China On High Alert

The Chinese government has increased disaster relief efforts in the affected regions, sending essential supplies including food, raincoats and rubber boats, state news agency Xinhua reported. Authorities have maintained the second-highest level of flood-control emergency response in Guangxi as officials prepare for further rainfall. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said the region remains at significant risk due to continued precipitation and rising water levels.

China's Water Resources Minister Li Guoying warned that flood conditions could worsen, with water levels at the Wuzhou Hydrological Station in Guangxi expected to rise above warning levels by more than six metres early Thursday. He said prolonged heavy rainfall and sustained high floodwaters were creating a serious challenge for the safety of reservoirs and embankments in affected areas. Officials are closely monitoring infrastructure to prevent further failures.

The storms have also caused fatalities and destruction in other parts of China. In central Hubei province, thunderstorms and powerful winds killed 11 people and injured 331 others, according to Xinhua. One person remains missing in the province, while around 4,800 houses were damaged and 22 buildings collapsed. Reports also indicated that tornadoes struck some areas late on Monday, adding to the destruction caused by extreme weather conditions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed rescue teams to "go all out" in emergency response efforts, CCTV reported. Authorities are continuing evacuation, rescue and relief operations while monitoring weather forecasts for additional rainfall. Natural disasters are relatively common in China, particularly during the summer months when some regions face intense rainfall and flooding while others experience extreme heat. The latest storms have highlighted ongoing challenges in managing severe weather events and protecting vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters.

Also Read: Rescue Operations Continue To Free Trapped Venezuelans A Week After Devastating Earthquakes