Probe into deadly Gansu flash flood ordered

A national investigation has been ordered a week after a flash flood struck a mountainous area of Northwest China's Gansu province, leaving 25 people dead and 23 others injured, according to China Central Television.

The flooding occurred in Weiyuan county following sudden heavy rainfall on July 26.

The National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Relief has placed assessment of the flood under "listed supervision" — a mechanism mandating enhanced oversight — and directed the Gansu provincial government to conduct a full investigation in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

The commission said the probe aims to enhance disaster prevention and response capabilities and better protect people's lives and property.

Gansu's fire and rescue department deployed 305 personnel and 68 vehicles in response to last week's flooding, while the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV emergency response and sent a working team to guide relief efforts.

Local officials said search and rescue teams located 207 trapped individuals, mostly campers and tourists in cars, and managed to rescue 174.

The Gansu provincial government and its emergency management department have pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation and accelerate the implementation of disaster mitigation measures in vulnerable regions.