Torrential seasonal rains have caused devastating floods in southwestern China, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and leaving four individuals missing. The mountainous Chongqing region, home to 31 million people, has been particularly hard hit, with nearly the entire area now designated as a flood risk zone. These floods mark China's deadliest recent deluge, part of a larger pattern of severe flooding across the nation.

Tens of thousands have been evacuated from their homes due to the rising waters. In Sichuan province alone, over 85,000 residents have sought refuge. The severity of the situation in Chongqing has prompted authorities to elevate the flood warning to level three, indicating a significant escalation of the crisis.

Rescue efforts are underway, with teams utilizing inflatable boats to transport villagers to safety. Crews are also working diligently to clear roads obstructed by landslides. Images released by the government depict the extent of the damage and the ongoing relief operations.

While seasonal flooding is a recurring challenge for many parts of China, especially in the south, this year's floods have been exceptionally severe. Some northern regions are experiencing their worst floods in half a century. These events follow the devastating floods of 2021 in Henan province, which claimed over 300 lives, and the catastrophic 1998 floods along the Yangtze River, resulting in over 4,150 deaths.

Ironically, much of China, including Beijing, is simultaneously grappling with intense heatwaves. These scorching temperatures, reaching as high as 104°F (40°C) in the capital, have arrived earlier and persisted longer than in previous decades, adding another layer of complexity to the nation's weather-related challenges.