NINE DEAD, ONE STILL MISSING AFTER BOATS CAPSIZE IN SOUTHWEST CHINA

GUIYANG (China), May 5 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Nine people have died and one remains missing after four boats capsized in a river in Qianxi City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to local authorities, the boats overturned due to sudden strong winds, throwing 84 people into the water.

Of those involved, 70 are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries while four others escaped unharmed.

Search efforts are ongoing for the remaining missing person, with nearly 500 emergency responders -- including police, firefighters and medical teams -- mobilised to the scene.

On related development, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for all-out efforts in the search and rescue operation after initial reports said two boats had capsized.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged authorities to step up rescue work, treat the injured, and support the victims' families.

He also stressed the need for stronger safety measures following a series of recent accidents.

These include improving safety at tourist sites, public areas, residential zones, and during holiday travel.

Premier Li Qiang echoed the call, instructing local authorities to carry out full rescue operations and medical treatment. He also ordered safety checks at the end of the May Day holiday to prevent further incidents.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited the site to oversee rescue and relief efforts.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA