Chengdu, China—Sudden flash floods tore through mountainous regions of Sichuan province today, resulting in four confirmed deaths. The Sichuan Disaster Management Bureau issued an emergency alert following the rapid rise of water levels in narrow valleys. Local search and rescue teams deployed immediately to the affected zones.

The deluge began during the early morning hours after an intense stationary rain cell settled over the northern districts. Creek beds that were dry yesterday transformed into dangerous torrents in minutes. Residents had little time to relocate their livestock or secure their homes before the water reached the lower villages.

Rescue workers utilized drones to scan the inundated areas and locate stranded civilians. The terrain, characterized by steep slopes and loose soil, prevented heavy equipment from accessing the most damaged sectors. Teams worked by hand to clear debris and stabilize riverbanks where possible.

Official accounts state that the four victims were caught off guard while working near the riverbanks. Their bodies were recovered downstream as the water levels began to recede slightly by mid-afternoon. Further search efforts are focused on ensuring no one else remains trapped in the debris fields.

The provincial government has allocated emergency funds to assist with the immediate needs of the displaced populations. Temporary shelters are being established in local schools and administrative buildings. Supplies including blankets, water, and food are currently being transported to the affected zones.

Infrastructure damage is widespread across the affected counties. Several bridges have been compromised by the force of the water, effectively cutting off road access to outlying villages. Engineering crews are assessing the structural integrity of the remaining transit routes to determine if they are safe for travel.

Meteorologists warn that the ground in these regions is now fully saturated. This increases the risk of secondary disasters such as landslides if additional rainfall occurs this evening. Residents in high-risk zones are being ordered to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution.

Authorities are monitoring weather stations closely for any signs of worsening conditions. The rescue mission will continue throughout the night using specialized lighting gear. Decisions on long-term recovery efforts will be made once the water subsides and full damage assessments are completed.