According to Xinhua, the official news agency, a bridge collapsed in northern China on Saturday, killed eleven people due to torrential rains.
According to Xinhua, which cited the provincial public relations department, the bridge in Shangluo, Shaanxi province fell at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Friday (1240 GMT) "due to a sudden downpour and flash floods". Xinhua said that rescue efforts began early on Saturday and that five vehicles have been pulled out of the water thus far. Images from state broadcaster CCTV showed the river surging over a portion of the bridge that was half submerged.
Since Tuesday, heavy rains have pounded large parts of northern and central China, resulting in flooding and serious damage. On Friday, the rains caused flooding and mudslides in Baoji city, Shaanxi, leaving at least five people dead and eight missing, according to state media.
China is experiencing extremely hot summer temperatures, with significant rains falling in the east and south while much of the north has been scorching in back-to-back heat waves.
