At least 10 dead as huge floods sweep southern and central China

The affected area extends more than 1,000km (620 miles), according to Chinese meteorologists.At least 10 people have died after heavy rains caused widespread flooding and Landslides across southern and central China.The China-meteorological-administration" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="129901" data-entity-type="organization">China Meteorological Administration (CMA) maintained elevated orange alerts on Tuesday for heavy rain and severe stormy weather, warning that the huge precipitation system has entered its strongest, most destructive stage.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Earthquake hits southern China, toppling buildingslist 2 of 3Russian drone hits Chinese ship off Ukraine before Putin meets Xi Jinpinglist 3 of 3US says China to buy billions in agricultural goods after Trump-Xi talksend of listChina’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters officially activated a Level-IV emergency response, the initial tier to accelerate state-level disaster relief for Floods, in Hunan and Guangxi, while maintaining the same emergency tier for Hubei, Chongqing, and Guizhou.The torrential downpours have shattered multiple local historical records, particularly in the central Hubei province. State broadcaster CCTV reported that 337 townships in Hubei recorded more than 100mm of rain within a 48-hour window.In Guangxi, six people died after a pick-up truck carrying 15 passengers fell into a swollen river amid heavy rainfall, CCTV said. In Hubei, three people were killed by flash Floods in a low-lying village, while another death was recorded in southern Hunan province.Images on the Chinese social media platform Douyin showed residents in Jingzhou, Hubei, standing knee-deep in floodwater, with some catching fish swimming in submerged streets. Several cars were almost entirely underwater.Authorities have suspended schools, businesses, and transport services in affected areas. Emergency responses are under way, and residents in parts of Hubei and Hunan are actively being relocated.