Deadly Flooding Ravages Multiple Parts of China; Xi Orders Officials to Prioritize Safety

Heavy rains have caused destructive flooding in southern, central, and northern China, displacing thousands and killing at least 15 people.
Four counties in Chongqing have issued the highest level red alert warnings due to severe flooding that has killed 15 people and left 4 others missing.
Neighboring Sichuan province has also been hit hard, impacting over 460,000 residents and forcing more than 85,000 to evacuate.
China is also currently experiencing dangerous heat waves, with temperatures in some areas reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has directed officials to make public safety their top priority and improve coordination in response to the natural disasters.