Rescue response mobilizes as downpour leaves nine dead, 11 missing in Chongqing

As of 3:30 pm on Monday, nine people have died, and 11 people remain missing in Chongqing's Yongchuan district following a sudden and intense downpour from Saturday night to early Sunday that caused flash floods and landslides.

According to local authorities, the heavy rain caused scattered damage in Chashanzhuhai subdistrict, Zhongshan Road subdistrict, and Shuangshi township. In response, leadership mobilized 1,827 rescue personnel, including 1,367 local officials, militia, and volunteers, and 460 professional responders. They have deployed 63 large rescue equipment units and over a thousand smaller tools, such as boats and vehicles.

The district transportation commission has used 25 machines and over 120 workers to clear 25 blocked sites, with most expected to be reopened by 6 pm on Monday. The district economic and information commission teamed up with utility companies to repair 30 base stations, restore gas to 628 homes, and fix 52 transformers. Water service has resumed for approximately 33,000 people, though the Chashan Water Plant remains inaccessible due to road damage.

For material support, the district emergency bureau and development and reform commission have distributed tents, beds, blankets, tables, chairs, lights, flashlights, and raincoats. The district commerce commission delivered the first batch of emergency supplies, including food, rain gear, and hygiene products. Additional supplies, such as lighting, heatstroke prevention items, and site control equipment, are being distributed. Hotels are prepared to accommodate evacuees, and fuel for disaster relief equipment is available. Four batches of emergency supplies have been delivered to ensure that essential market supplies remain stable and orderly.

By 3:30 pm on Monday, 1,113 households, comprising 2,141 people, have been relocated. Of these, 389 households are in central accommodations, while 724 households are dispersed elsewhere. The district has set up 42 central accommodation points with a capacity for up to 9,005 people. Authorities have identified 1,396 risk hazards, with 446 already addressed and 950 under repair.