4 Missing After Boat Collision on Jiujiang Bridge Amid Severe Flooding in China

On April 22, 2024, a boat collision occurred on the Jiujiang Bridge in Foshan, Guangdong, China, leaving 4 people missing amid heavy rainfall and severe flooding in the region. The incident happened when a vessel carrying nearly 5,000 tons of rolled steel struck a bridge pillar, causing several crew members to fall into the water. Seven people were rescued, but 4 remain missing.

The floods have claimed 4 lives and 10 people are still missing across Guangdong province, where over 100,000 people have been evacuated due to the heavy rains and flooding. The severe weather has been attributed to the effects of climate change, with the region experiencing the worst flooding seen in decades. Authorities have issued the highest-level rainstorm warning and urged residents to remain vigilant against disasters.

The heavy rainfall and flooding are being described as a 'once-in-a-century' event, with the megacity of Shenzhen among the areas affected, experiencing 'heavy to very heavy downpours' on Tuesday. Victims in the affected areas are racing to recover their property from the muddy waters, and officials have warned about potential price spikes and supply shortages due to the floods.

Authorities have warned of more heavy rains to come in the area, with up to 240 millimeters of rain expected in many parts of Guangdong province until Friday. The central government has allocated 110 million yuan in emergency relief for the flood-affected areas in Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Guangxi.

Why this matters: The severe flooding and boat collision in Guangdong highlight the increasing impact of climate change on extreme weather events in the region. As more lives are lost and residents are displaced, it underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.

Multiple military units from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command and the People's Armed Police (PAP) Force have been engaged in flood control and disaster relief efforts in the affected areas. Over 500 troops and militiamen have been dispatched to the disaster-stricken areas, relocating residents, clearing mud, unblocking roads, and assisting in the restoration of power and communication links.

The Jiujiang Bridge, constructed in 1985 and operational since 1988, is the first large-span double-sided single tower prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridge in the Asia-Pacific region. While the bridge's main structure was not significantly damaged in the collision, the anti-collision piers sustained some scratches. A safety assessment is being conducted, and an anti-collision reinforcement project has been initiated.

The search for the missing individuals is ongoing, with over 300 police officers and rescue staff deploye

Key Takeaways

• Boat collision on Jiujiang Bridge in China leaves 4 missing amid heavy floods.
• Floods in Guangdong claim 4 lives, 10 missing, over 100,000 evacuated due to climate change.
• Authorities issue highest-level rainstorm warning, allocate 110 million yuan in emergency relief.
• Military units engaged in flood control and disaster relief efforts in affected areas.
• Bridge's anti-collision piers sustained damage, safety assessment and reinforcement underway.