Heavy rains have inundated streets and parks, and triggered landslides and emergency rescues in parts of western China, prompting swift response efforts to ensure resident safety.
In Longnan City of northwestern China's Gansu Province, heavy rainfall from Wednesday to Thursday triggered emergency evacuations as the flood water destroyed roadbed and caused landslides.
"We carried out emergency resettlement for 26 households living in risky areas on July 2. Most of them moved to relatives and friends' homes. Now all of them are safe," said Zhang Yan, head of Yuhe Township of Longnan's Wudu District.
In Longnan's Kangxian County, a turbulent river swept a car into the water on Thursday. Local authorities evacuated nearly 500 villagers as the rainwater flooded and damaged roads.
Sanitation workers and volunteers in the county started clean up efforts on Thursday afternoon as the rain started to die down and the water level in rivers started to fall.
In Chengdu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, rainstorms flooded some residential buildings in low-lying areas on Thursday, with the depth of water reaching 1.5 meters.
Firefighters rescued more than 10 people trapped in the flooded buildings and evacuated passengers on three buses stranded by the flood in the city center.
The rescuers also transferred a pregnant woman with an ambulance on Thursday night.
China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Thursday launched a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in five provinces, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.
The emergency measures cover Liaoning, Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces, where heavy downpours are forecast from July 3 to 6.
Floods wash away cars, trigger landslides, emergency rescue in Gansu, Sichuan
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
