At least eight people have been killed and four remain missing after flash floods swept through a camping site in China’s Inner Mongolia region, according to state media.
The sudden flood hit late on Saturday night at around 22:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in Urat Rear Banner, a county located in the western part of Inner Mongolia, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.
A total of 13 people were said to be camping outdoors in the remote area when heavy rains triggered the deluge. Of those, one person was rescued by emergency workers, while the bodies of eight victims have been recovered.
Search and rescue operations are continuing for the remaining four missing individuals. Authorities have deployed local fire brigades, medical teams, and emergency response units to comb through the rugged terrain.
Swift disaster response
Images released by Chinese media showed rescue personnel in bright uniforms searching muddy terrain, while equipment was brought in to clear debris. Emergency responders have set up temporary camps in the vicinity to coordinate ongoing efforts.
Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims, but said they were part of a group of outdoor enthusiasts caught by surprise as the water levels rose rapidly.
The sudden floods were fuelled by heavy rainfall in the region, which has been experiencing unstable weather patterns in recent weeks. Meteorologists said that the topography of the area — surrounded by hills and narrow channels — increased the intensity of the floodwaters.
Wider concerns over extreme weather
The tragedy highlights a broader concern across China, where extreme weather events have intensified in recent years. Torrential rains and flooding have repeatedly struck northern and central provinces, causing casualties and widespread damage.
Earlier this summer, parts of southern China also faced historic levels of rainfall that led to swollen rivers, landslides, and mass evacuations. Scientists and climate experts have attributed the increasing frequency of such events to climate change, coupled with rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation.
The Chinese government has made disaster preparedness a priority, investing in early-warning systems and flood-control infrastructure. Yet incidents like the Inner Mongolia floods underscore the challenges of protecting people in rural or outdoor recreational settings.
Safety warnings for outdoor activities
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping during the monsoon season. Local governments have been tasked with issuing weather alerts more swiftly and monitoring vulnerable areas more closely.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s flood, officials said they would conduct a safety review of popular camping and hiking sites in the region to reduce future risks.
For the families of those killed and missing, the tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sudden weather extremes. Rescue teams remain on the ground, and operations are expected to continue until all missing persons are accounted for.
