Death Toll From Road Collapse In China Has Risen To 48

THE death toll from a highway collapse in southern China's Guangdong province increased to 48 on Thursday, May 2, as rescue attempts continued in the aftermath of the disaster.

The collapse occurred at 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, when heavy rains forced a piece of road connecting Meizhou city to Dabu county to cave in.

Vehicles on the road crashed into the approximately 18-meter-long (59-foot) breach in the tarmac, plunging down the steep hill underneath.

Guangdong, famed for its dense population and economic strength, has recently suffered a number of calamities caused by extreme weather phenomena.

The abnormally heavy storms, which exceeded seasonal norms, have been related to the larger issue of climate change.

China, despite being the world's greatest greenhouse gas emitter, has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

Excavators worked hard to clean the muddy hillside beneath the collapsed road, according to images uploaded online.

In response to the disaster, President Xi Jinping asked officials to prioritize on-site rescue operations and guarantee that those injured received prompt treatment.

The provincial administration has recruited specialized teams to increase search and rescue efforts, with a portion of the damaged roadway closed for detours.

The National Weather Office reported that central and eastern Guangdong province had received up to 600 millimeters of rain in the last ten days, three times the average amount for this time of year.

With the increased potential of geological disasters caused by constant rain, authorities have advised the public to plan their trips cautiously.