At least 10 people have been swept to their deaths after a flash flood hit a campsite.
Terrified holidaymakers scrambled for their lives as a wall of brown muddy water tore through tents and cars in seconds.
The sudden flash flood slammed into the busy campsite yesterday afternoon (26 Jul).
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Ten people died in the muddy deluge while 23 others were injured.
Rescuers have evacuated 247 people in total.
The nightmare struck at the Shuangshimen Scenic Area in Weiyuan County, Gansu Province, China.
Fierce rain and hail triggered the mountain torrent at around 2pm.
Campers had pitched their tents along a shallow river in the valley.
Many drove in for summer barbecues and picnics at the popular spot known as Gansu’s Little Alps.
The once-narrow stream, usually under two metres wide, surged to over 50 metres across.
Mud-choked waters roared down without warning after the intense downpour.
Tents, vehicles and belongings vanished in moments, and over 30 cars piled up on a flat stretch of ground.
One couple was swept away but miraculously survived.
The man smashed into a parked lorry and clung on before grabbing his fiancée as she hurtled past.
Both lived but later fell ill with fever in hospital.
A family of three escaped through their car sunroof as water flooded the vehicle in a couple of minutes.
They later reached a resettlement centre.
Rescuers reached the scene after 2pm.
Teams used diggers, ropes, emergency lights and three drones, as reported by Need To Know.
Seven people were pulled alive from inside cars.
Rain returned overnight and forced temporary pauses for safety.
Weiyuan County deputy mayor Mao Weidong said: “Over 160 rescue vehicles entered the area.
“The whole county mobilised 45 ambulances, continuously dispersing them to multiple hospitals, going all out in the search and rescue operation.”
Dingxi fire brigade captain Wu Mingguo confirmed the 247 figure and the drone searches around scattered vehicles and debris.
According to the authorities, 305 firefighters with 68 vehicles and four search dogs remain on site.
Injured patients mainly suffered fractures, open wounds and aspiration pneumonia.
Two temporary resettlement sites now house survivors and families with food and lodging.
Officials urged people to avoid outdoor activity after issuing a yellow rain alert.
The search operation continues this morning.
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