The death toll from catastrophic flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Maysak in southern China has risen to 39, with authorities warning that another powerful storm is expected to strike the country's eastern coast in the coming days, raising fears of further devastation.

Officials in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region confirmed on Thursday that 39 people had died in the flooding, while nine others remain missing following days of torrential rain that inundated communities, damaged infrastructure, and forced mass evacuations.

Speaking at a news briefing, Nanning Mayor Ding Wei said the deadliest incident occurred after a reservoir dam east of the regional capital partially collapsed, unleashing floodwaters that claimed 26 lives. Search and rescue teams continue to comb affected areas for those still unaccounted for.

The flooding has overwhelmed large parts of Guangxi, damaging roads, bridges, and public infrastructure while forcing authorities to evacuate around 130,000 residents from high-risk areas. Rescue crews have also assisted thousands of stranded people, including students and teachers trapped by rising waters.

Emergency services remain deployed across the region as floodwaters gradually begin to recede, although officials have warned that additional rainfall could hamper recovery efforts. Authorities have also reported disruptions to agriculture and transportation, while isolated communities continue to await assistance.

As southern China struggles to recover, attention has shifted to Typhoon Bavi, which meteorologists say could become one of the most powerful storms to affect the region in years.

The storm, carrying sustained winds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour, is forecast to pass close to northern Taiwan before making landfall in China's Fujian Province by Saturday. Authorities in Taiwan have mobilized approximately 29,000 troops for emergency response, while schools, ports, and transportation services have begun implementing precautionary measures.

Japanese authorities have also issued storm alerts for Okinawa and canceled dozens of flights as Bavi moves across the western Pacific. Forecasters warn the system, which spans more than 1,000 kilometers, has the potential to bring torrential rainfall, destructive winds, and dangerous storm surges to Taiwan, southeastern China, and parts of Japan.

Meteorologists say the succession of severe storms highlights the increasing intensity of extreme weather events across East Asia, with warmer ocean temperatures contributing to stronger tropical systems and raising concerns over future flood risks and disaster preparedness. (ILKHA)