16 dead, 36 missing after flash flooding in China

Beijing 18 August : At at least 16 people have died and another 36 were reported missing following the flash flood in northwestern China the state media reported on Thursday.

The downpours led to landslides which prevented and diverted rivers and affected more than 6,000 residents in two villages and townships the report stated.The authorities mobilized around 2,000 rescue personnel including paramilitary units, police officers as well as emergency services and officials from the government, to aid in reconstruction efforts.

Qinghai province is the highest alert level in the provinces four-tier emergency and disaster relief system, according to state media.