Story perspectives

Record 339mm Rain Triggers Fatal Floods, 19,000 Evacuated

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shimen County, Hunan, recorded 339 mm of rain in 24 hours, including 240 mm in a few hours, breaking historic records.
State media reported that torrential rains and floods across central and southwestern China killed at least 12 people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
Rescue teams have relocated more than 19,000 residents, according to Xinhua.
In Hubei province, rescuers used inflatable boats as streets turned into rivers to help stranded residents.

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Story summary

Shimen County, Hunan, recorded 339 mm of rain in 24 hours, including 240 mm in a few hours, breaking historic records.
State media reported that torrential rains and floods across central and southwestern China killed at least 12 people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
Rescue teams have relocated more than 19,000 residents, according to Xinhua.
In Hubei province, rescuers used inflatable boats as streets turned into rivers to help stranded residents.