11 dead, over 30 missing after bridge in China collapses amid torrential rain

At least 11 people died and over 30 others were missingafter a bridge in northernChinacollapsed amid torrential rains, state media reported on Saturday (July 20). A report by the Xinhua news agency said that the bridge over a river in Shaanxi province's Shangluo collapsed at around 8.40 pm local time on Friday, due to sudden downpours and flash floods.

A report by CCTV, meanwhile, said that nearly 20 vehicles and more than 30 people remained missing following the bridge collapse. All 11 confirmed victims were found inside five vehicles that had so far been recovered from the water.

This incident comes aftera highway in southernChinacollapsed after days of rain, leaving 48 dead.

Five dead inBaoji city

Large portions ofnorthern and centralChinahave been battered since Tuesday by rainthat hascaused flooding and significant damage. State media reported on Friday that at least five people died and eight were missing after rain sparkedflooding and mudslides in Shaanxi's Baoji city.

Images published by state media showedneighbourhoods completely flooded by muddy water, with excavators and residents attempting to clear the damage.

The semi-desert province of Gansu, which neighbours Shaanxi and Henan also witnessed heavy rainfall this week.

Chinais enduring a summer of extreme weather, with heavy rains across the east and south.

(With inputs from agencies)