A powerful storm swept through southwestern China’s Guizhou province on Sunday, capsizing four boats and leaving at least 10 people dead and 70 injured, according to state media.
The tragedy unfolded on the Wu River near Qianxi City when a sudden downpour and hailstorm struck the area, causing more than 80 individuals to be thrown into the water. The incident occurred on a stretch of the river that serves as a popular site for tourism and local transport.
Rescue operations continued through the night. Authorities initially reported nine fatalities and one person missing, but state broadcaster CCTV confirmed on Monday that the final victim had been recovered and was found without signs of life.
Footage from the scene showed dramatic moments of rescue, including a man performing CPR while an overturned vessel drifted nearby.
Though initial reports indicated that two tourist boats had capsized, CCTV later clarified that four boats were involved. Two of the vessels were carrying passengers, while the other two were not. The seven crew members aboard the unoccupied boats managed to swim to safety, officials said.
The affected waterway is part of the upper Wu River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, China’s longest and most economically vital river.
In the wake of the disaster, President Xi Jinping called for stronger safety measures related to tourism, maritime transport, and public events, citing a recent rise in fatal incidents.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, and local governments are being urged to strengthen early-warning systems and emergency response protocols.
