A deadly mudslide struck Jiangxi province early Saturday after days of torrential rain linked to tropical cyclone Saudel. One person was killed, 11 were reported missing and rescue operations were continuing.
The mudslide hit Suichuan County in eastern China during the early hours of Saturday. According to reporting by the Associated Press, around a dozen houses were damaged. Emergency teams rescued two people alive and moved other residents away from areas considered at risk.
Rainfall impacts continue after multiple landfalls
Saudel had already made two landfalls in Zhejiang province on August 28 before reaching neighbouring Fujian as a tropical storm. The system brought prolonged heavy rain to a wide area even after the strongest winds weakened.
In Fujian, flooding and structural damage were reported in several communities. More than 100 houses collapsed in Huating Town, Putian, while a breached dike flooded villages and trapped residents. Authorities said more than 600,000 people had been evacuated from vulnerable coastal and inland areas.
Landslide risk remains after the storm
The latest disaster underlines how the danger from a tropical cyclone can continue well after landfall. Saturated soil, swollen rivers and damaged drainage systems can keep flood and landslide risks elevated for days.
Rescue and recovery operations were continuing on Saturday. The reported casualty and missing-person figures may change as emergency crews reach affected areas and authorities update their assessments.