In a devastating turn of events late Saturday, a flash flood tore through a wild camping site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, claiming eight lives and leaving four people missing, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The heavy rains struck around 10 p.m. near the upstream section of a river in Urad Rear Banner, Bayannur City. Of the 13 campers caught in the deluge, one was rescued by 10 a.m. Sunday, eight were confirmed dead, and four remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue teams are racing against time amid challenging conditions.
Urad Rear Banner, known for its scenic riverbanks and popular among adventure seekers, recorded more than 120 millimeters of rain within 24 hours150 percent above the seasonal average. Globally, flash floods account for nearly 40 percent of flood-related fatalities, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This latest disaster underscores how quickly conditions can turn deadly.
"We urge outdoor enthusiasts to heed weather alerts and avoid camping near rivers during heavy rainfall," said a local spokesperson from the banner's publicity department. Enhanced early warning systems and better access to real-time weather data could save lives in vulnerable regions.
As extreme weather events intensify worldwide, the tragedy in Inner Mongolia serves as a stark reminder for travelers, campers, and digital nomads to stay informed and plan with safety in mind. Experts advise checking local forecasts, registering with park authorities, and having an emergency evacuation plan in place.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
