Flooding from Tropical Storm Maysak has claimed the lives of 39 people in southern China, with the city of Nanning particularly hard-hit after a dam breach sent torrents of water through the area. The death toll was announced by Ding Wei, the city's vice mayor, during a news briefing on Thursday, marking a significant increase from previous reports.

The storm brought record rainfall to the Guangxi region, overwhelming reservoirs and leading to widespread flooding that inundated towns and cities. The dam breach in Nanning alone was responsible for 26 of the fatalities, according to officials.

In response to the crisis, approximately 130,000 people have been evacuated from the affected regions. A large-scale relief and rescue operation is underway, utilizing drones and thousands of boats to reach those trapped by the rising waters. Rescuers are reportedly battling strong currents and debris in their efforts.

Forecasters at the national meteorological centre reported that some areas in southern Guangxi experienced cumulative rainfall ranging from 10 to 40 centimeters (4-16 inches), with hard-hit locations receiving over 90 centimeters (35 inches) of rain. More than 8,000 personnel and approximately 5,700 boats have been deployed for rescue missions.

While floodwaters are beginning to recede in some areas, the meteorological centre has warned of more rain expected in certain parts of the region over the next two days. Emergency crews are working to clear mud and debris from affected towns, including Hengzhou, which is east of Nanning. Electricity has been restored to over 60,000 homes, and road repairs are in progress.

The severe weather also impacted local wildlife, with at least 100 animals escaping from Guigang Zoo in Guangxi province after their enclosures were damaged by the flooding. The zoo has appealed for public assistance in locating the escaped animals, which include species like alpacas, miniature pigs, zebras, raccoons, porcupines, and peacocks. The zoo has cautioned the public to maintain a safe distance from any spotted animals, warning that they may be frightened and potentially aggressive.

This event follows a pattern of severe weather impacting China, with a recent tornado outbreak in central China killing 17 people. The region has also been under threat from other weather systems, including Typhoon Bavi, which has impacted U.S. Pacific islands and threatened Guam with strong winds and flooding.

Officials are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents, restoring essential services, and managing the aftermath of the storm and subsequent flooding.