Beijing, May 5 || Nine people died, one was missing, and 70 were injured after four tourist boats capsized due to sudden gales on a river in Qianxi, southwest China's Guizhou province, according to state media.
A total of 84 people fell into the water following the accident on Sunday afternoon, and the search for the last missing person continues.
Speaking to Chinese media Red Star News, tourists who were on-site during the accident said that there was a sudden rainstorm accompanied by hail, thunder, and strong winds.
According to reports, the local meteorological authority issued a yellow alert on Sunday, stating that thunderstorms would occur in multiple places.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday urged all-out efforts to search for those who fell into the water and treat the injured after the boats capsized.
The Chinese provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and medical personnel, to coordinate rescue efforts, News Agency reported.
The other passengers on the boat reported a sudden shift in the weather, featuring intense rainfall and a fog hovering over the water's surface.
In December also, eight people died after a boat capsized in Guizhou province.