20 dead, dozens missing in flash floods in China

Heavy rains that have been falling across China for a week have caused flash floods in the north and southwest, killing 20 people and leaving dozens missing, authorities said.

China's official Xinhua News Agency reported that a bridge over a river in Shaanxi Province (northwest of the country) collapsed due to floods, causing many cars to fall into the river, in a disaster that left at least 12 dead and 30 missing.

According to Xinhua, initial investigations indicated that 17 cars and eight trucks fell into the river, meaning the death toll is likely to rise. State television footage showed part of the bridge submerged in the river and water flowing over it.

According to Xinhua, President Xi Jinping ordered "all-out rescue and relief efforts" to find the missing. In Sichuan Province (southwest), heavy rains on Saturday left at least eight dead and 30 missing.

Flash floods caused by a violent thunderstorm hit the town of Ya'an overnight, resulting in the recovery of eight bodies as of Saturday evening, while four people were rescued without serious injuries, Xinhua said.