The torrential rains that have plagued southwestern China this summer have caused even further damage, this time in Yunnan province.

Xinhua reports that in Pudali Township of Yunnan’s Gongshan Drung-Nu Autonomous Region, “at least 67 people are missing and seven others injured after mudslides slammed [the] remote town” earlier today.

Gongshan in Yunnan province. (Photo: Wikimedia.org)

In addition to affecting roads, power sources and telecommunications, the mudslides also “destroyed a bridge and made the Nujiang River swollen with the water level increasing by up to six meters.”

Rescuers have been dispatched to the area through local government.

At this time, none of WildChina’s journeys to Yunnan have been affected. We will update the blog with any updates on the situation.

UPDATE: The mudslides occurred very close to where we begin our From the Salween to the Mekong: Hiking the 19th Century French Explorers’ Route journey. Please enquire with your travel associate at WildChina for further details on this itinerary.