16 killed, dozens missing in northwest China floods

Sixteen people have been killed and dozens are missing in flash flooding in northwest China after a sudden downpour triggered mudslides and caused a river to change course, state media reported Thursday.

The floods occurred in a mountainous region of Datong county in Qinghai province, affecting more than 6,200 people from six villages, state broadcaster CCTV said.

"As of noon on the 18th, 16 people have been killed and 36 are missing," added CCTV, saying rescue work was ongoing.

The deluge comes during a summer of extreme weather in China, with multiple cities clocking their hottest days on record.