Flooding from Tropical Storm Maysak kills 39 in southern China | Floods News
Flooding from Tropical Storm Maysak Claims 39 Lives in Southern China
By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP, and AP
Published: July 9, 2026
Approximately 130,000 people have been evacuated from the Guangxi region in southern China following severe flooding linked to Tropical Storm Maysak, which has resulted in at least 39 confirmed deaths. The majority of these fatalities occurred after a dam breach inundated the city of Nanning.
During a news briefing on Thursday, Nanning’s Vice Mayor Ding Wei reported that the death toll had risen sharply from an earlier count of six, attributing the tragedy to record rainfall that overwhelmed local reservoirs and caused extensive flooding across towns and cities in Guangxi.
The breach of the dam in Nanning was responsible for 26 of the recorded deaths, Ding stated.
In response to the crisis, a significant relief and rescue operation has mobilized over 8,000 personnel and approximately 5,700 boats to assist those trapped by the floodwaters. Drones are also being utilized to enhance rescue efforts.
The national meteorological center reported cumulative rainfall in the region ranged from 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches), with some areas experiencing over 90 centimeters (35 inches) of rain.
Rescue operations have faced challenges due to strong currents and debris, although Ding noted that floodwaters are beginning to recede. However, forecasts indicate that additional rainfall may occur in certain areas over the next two days.
Efforts to restore normalcy include the clearance of mud and debris, as well as the disinfection of several towns in Hengzhou, which lies east of Nanning. Road repairs are ongoing, and electricity has been restored to over 60,000 homes, according to Ding.
Animals Escape Guigang Zoo Amid Flooding
In a related incident, at least 100 animals, including alpacas, miniature pigs, and zebras, have escaped from the Guigang Zoo in Guangxi province due to damage caused by the flooding. The zoo has issued an appeal to the public for assistance in locating the animals.
The list of escapees includes “two North American raccoons, four porcupines, and thirty peacocks,” as reported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the local district.
The zoo has advised the public that some of the animals may be frightened and potentially aggressive. “Please maintain a safe distance if you spot any of the animals,” the zoo stated, urging individuals not to attempt to approach or capture them for safety reasons.