At least 75 dead, missing in recent China flooding

In this Wednesday, July 6, 2016 photo, a truck loaded with people drives through a flooded street in Wuhan in central China’s Hubei province. Water levels are starting to recede in central and eastern China Thursday following a week of heavy downpours that have broken levees, flooded cities and villages, halted public transportation, and left at least hundreds people dead or missing. AP

BEIJING — China says at least 75 people have died or gone missing since Monday in massive floods across the country’s north.

The figures released by the Civil Affairs Ministry on Thursday come amid some of the worst flooding in years, fed by constant downpours. Already, 576 people have been recorded as dead or missing nationwide in the first half of the year.

READ: More than 120 dead in China floods

Usually dry Beijing has seen heavy rain since Tuesday that has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and trains, and has flooded city streets. The rain has threatened embankments along rivers in central China, with authorities mobilizing troops and heavy equipment to fill the gaps.

Tens of thousands have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, while President Xi Jinping warned Wednesday that officials found negligent would be severely punished.

READ: Heavy flooding in China leaves 181 dead or missing