At Least 3 Dead, 19 Missing as Monsoon Rains Hit Southwest China

Storms triggered flood warnings, school closures, and transport disruptions across central and southwestern China.

A red rainstorm warning is issued in Wuhan, Hubei Province, on May 24, 2026, marking the city’s second such alert within a week. Online screenshot by The Epoch Times

At least three people have been killed, and 19 others remain missing after torrential rain triggered severe flooding in southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality, as authorities across the country issued a series of high-level storm warnings amid the arrival of the monsoon season.

Chinese state media People’s Daily reported that heavy rain battered parts of Chongqing between 8 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, with some areas recording exceptionally high rainfall totals. Authorities said 22 districts and counties were hit by rainstorms, including nine areas that experienced what officials classified as severe rainstorms.