Death toll from southern China floods rises to 39

The death toll from severe flooding in southern China has climbed to 39 after days of torrential rain triggered by Tropical Storm Maysak, while authorities continue search and rescue operations for those still missing.

Officials said 26 of the deaths occurred in Hengzhou, where the partial collapse of a reservoir dam unleashed floodwaters across the city. Another nine people remain missing in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The storm brought record rainfall to Guangxi over several days, causing reservoirs to overflow, inundating communities and forcing the evacuation of about 130,000 residents. More than 10,000 students and teachers stranded at schools in Guigang were rescued by military teams, while emergency crews used boats and drones to deliver supplies and evacuate trapped residents.

Authorities said floodwaters are gradually receding, with road repairs, clean-up operations and the restoration of electricity underway. However, additional rainfall is forecast over the next two days.

Meanwhile, attention has shifted to Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to make landfall along China's eastern coast on Saturday after passing near Taiwan. Preparations are also underway in Taiwan and the Philippines as the powerful storm approaches.

The severe weather follows another deadly outbreak of storms earlier this week in central China's Hubei Province, where thunderstorms and tornadoes claimed 11 lives.