Flash floods disrupt traffic in China's Gansu province

Torrential rains triggered multiple road hazards in northwest China's Gansu Province, with flash floods damaging homes and disrupting major transport routes, local authorities reported Saturday.

In Tanchang County of Longnan City, sections of the National Highway 212 near Lianghekou town became impassable early Saturday after heavy downpours caused landslides.

Road crews deployed emergency equipment to restore traffic, succeeding in reopening two sections with half-lane access by 17:00.

Separately, Friday night's deluge brought devastation to regions in Xiahe County in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Emergency responders confirmed five homes were severely damaged in Aosai village and eight properties flooded in Qingshui village.

The floods temporarily blocked National Highway 568 for three hours before midnight, fortunately no casualties were reported. Clearup operations continue across affected areas, while meteorological authorities warn of additional rainfall in the coming days.

Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 185 prisoners of conflict on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Moscow brought 185 Russian servicemen back from territory controlled by Ukraine, while handing 185 Ukrainian captives over to Kiev, it said.

It added that the returned Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus receiving psychological and medical care and will later be transferred to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.