This July 20, 2024, photo shows a partially collapsed bridge in Zhashui county in Shangluo city, northwest China's Shaanxi province. - Photo: Xinhua
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property after the collapse of a highway bridge in northwest China's Shaanxi province.
His call came after the bridge in Zhashui county in Shangluo city collapsed at approximately 8.40pm on Friday (July 19) due to flash floods caused by heavy rain.
Eleven people were killed while over 30 others remained missing, as of 10am on Saturday.
The collapse caused some vehicles to plunge into the Jinqian River below the bridge.
The exact number of vehicles involved is still being determined, according to the county's publicity bureau.
By 10am on Saturday, rescue teams had recovered five vehicles that had fallen into the river. Rescue operations were underway.
The immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing and minimise casualties, Xi said in the instructions, urging efforts to assist the families of the affected.
He emphasised the importance of well-planned rescue and the prevention of secondary disasters.
The Chinese leader stressed that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.
A team has been dispatched to guide rescue efforts following the bridge collapse, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.
The China National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team has sent 736 people, 76 vehicles, 18 boats and 32 drones to carry out rescue efforts. - Xinhua/ANN
