Mudflow death toll in central China rises to 21

The death toll from a mudslide in central China’s Shaanxi province has risen to 21, with six more missing, the Xi’an City Emergency Department said.

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Earlier it was reported about four dead.

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“To date, 21 dead have been found, six more people are still missing, two private houses (about 300 square meters) were damaged,” the department said in a statement.

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Search and rescue operations are said to be ongoing. 186 people were evacuated from the affected areas. In addition, damaged sections of roads have been partially restored, and electricity has been returned to 855 residents.

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Mudflow and flooding occurred due to short-term downpours in a mountainous area in the village of Weiziping, Xi’an City around 18:00 on Friday. It is reported that several houses were washed away by the mudflow, bridges and roads were damaged, and electricity supply was interrupted.