Sudden Storm Capsizes Boats in China, Killing 10, Injuring Dozens

A sudden and severe storm in Guizhou province, southwestern China, resulted in the capsizing of four boats on Sunday, leaving 10 people dead and 70 injured, Al Jazeera reports.

The incident occurred on a stretch of the Wu River near Qianxi City during the afternoon when a sudden downpour and hailstorm struck, causing over 80 people to fall into the water, according to state media reports.

Rescue operations were launched immediately and continued throughout the night. Initial reports indicated nine fatalities with one person missing. However, the missing individual was later discovered by rescue personnel around noon but showed no signs of life, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Footage shared by state media depicted a man performing CPR on a person, while one of the capsized vessels drifted upside-down in the river.

While initial reports focused on two tourist vessels, CCTV later clarified that four boats were involved in the incident. Two of the boats were not carrying passengers at the time and the incident occurred on the upper reaches of the Wu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River.

The seven crew members aboard the two unoccupied vessels were able to swim to safety, according to the broadcaster.

A witness interviewed by the state-owned Beijing News recounted how the storm descended rapidly, creating thick mist that severely limited visibility on the river. Some passengers were able to swim to safety amidst the chaos.

CCTV reported that the boats involved were not overloaded, with each having a maximum capacity of 40 passengers.

Extensive Rescue Efforts and Presidential Response

Provincial authorities deployed approximately 500 emergency personnel to lead the search and rescue operation.

President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” in the search and rescue operations and for the treatment of those injured, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Xi also “underscored the importance of strengthening safety measures in tourist attractions” and other large public venues, noting a string of recent fatal incidents across the country.

Increased Tourism During May Day Holiday

The Wu River, known for winding through Guizhou’s mountainous interior, is a popular tourist destination, particularly during holidays.

China’s May Day holiday, which spanned from May 1 to May 5, saw a significant surge in domestic travel. Government data cited by state media revealed that many tourist destinations across the country experienced overwhelming crowds.