Full Breakdown
Flooding in Guangxi Claims 39 Lives After Reservoir Breach
7/10/2026, 3:54:25 PM
Event Overview
In early July 2026, Tropical Storm Maysak unleashed record rainfall across China’s southwestern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The deluge caused the partial collapse of a reservoir dam in Hengzhou, a city under the jurisdiction of Nanning. The breach sent torrents of water into Hengzhou, killing 26 people and bringing the provincial death toll to 39. Nine individuals remain missing. Rescue teams have evacuated roughly 130,000 residents, deployed 5,700 boats and more than 8,000 personnel, and restored electricity to over 60,000 homes.
Background & Context
Maysak began dumping rain on Saturday, July 4, with cumulative totals of 10-40 cm (4-16 in) in most areas and over 90 cm (35 in) in the hardest-hit zones, according to the National Meteorological Centre. The storm breached multiple reservoirs, stranding residents for days. A prior count on Tuesday listed only six fatalities, highlighting the rapid escalation. While Guangxi grapples with flooding, Typhoon Bavi circles offshore, projected to make landfall in Zhejiang or Fujian later in the week.
Data & Statistics
- Deaths: 39 (26 in Hengzhou)
- Missing: 9 (Guangxi region)
- Evacuated: ?130,000 people
- Rescue assets: 5,700 boats, >8,000 responders, 10,000+ students and teachers rescued from Guigang schools
- Rainfall: 10-40 cm (4-16 in) average; >90 cm (35 in) in hotspots
- Animal impact: >100 zoo animals missing, ?800 snakes escaped from a farm, ?200 cats and dozens of dogs rescued by a shelter in Binyang County
Official Statements & Responses
Vice mayor Ding Wei of Nanning confirmed the death toll at a news briefing, noting that floodwaters are receding but additional rain is expected in the next two days. He announced ongoing mud-clearing, disinfection efforts, road repairs, and power restoration. President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out” rescue effort, urging authorities to mobilize resources nationwide. The Guangxi regional propaganda office reported that hospitals have increased antivenom stocks after snakes appeared in floodwaters.
Criticism & Opposition
Local resident Lu Xiaofei, who works in Shenzhen, described delayed assistance for her brother’s family, saying the water rose to “over one person’s height” and that power and running water remained unavailable. Unverified media reports claim a woman in Yunbiao died from a snake bite, a claim the Associated Press could not confirm.
On-the-Ground Reports
Rescuers used drones and inflatable boats to reach stranded teachers and students, many wearing bright orange life vests. An animal shelter operator in Binyang County ferried dogs two at a time through strong currents while cats clambered onto rafters. Zoo officials issued warnings to the public to keep a safe distance from escaped wildlife.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage listed only six fatalities, later updated to 39, illustrating rapid changes in official counts. Snake-related casualties are reported inconsistently: some sources cite dozens of bites, while others note a single confirmed case. The exact origin of the escaped snakes—whether from a farm or multiple breeding facilities—remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The water in the house is over one person’s height. They have to all move to the second floor. The power has been out since yesterday morning, and now they don’t have running water, either,” — Lu Xiaofei, Shenzhen employee
- “Wall cabinets, sofas, coffee tables, dining tables and chairs vanished in an instant,” — Wang, survivor of the Hubei tornado
- “go all out” — Xi Jinping, President of China (statement on emergency operations)
- “snakes have appeared in some waters” — Guangxi regional propaganda office statement
- “If you spot any of the animals, please keep a safe distance,” — Guigang Zoo public notice
What’s Next
Meteorological agencies warn that additional rain will affect parts of Guangxi over the next two days, while Typhoon Bavi is expected to make landfall on China’s eastern coast by Saturday, potentially compounding rescue and relief operations. Authorities have pledged continued deployment of boats, drones, and medical supplies as floodwaters recede.
