Extreme cold weather hits China’s ultramarathon, killing 21 runners in China News

In Gansu, China, runners were taking part in a 100-kilometer cross-country race after at least 21 people were killed in “extreme and violent weather”.

At least 21 people have been killed in a ultramarathon in northwestern China’s Gansu province after hail, freezing rain and strong winds, local officials said.

It was held at noon (04:00 GMT) on Saturday at noon (04:00 GMT) at noon (04:00 GMT) when the 100-kilometer high-altitude race held in the Yellow River Stone Forest near Baiyin city was hit by “violent and extreme weather” on Sunday. in appearance. .

“Around noon, the top part of the 20- to 31-mile race was suddenly caused by deplorable weather. In a short period of time, hail and ice rains suddenly fell on the spot, and there was a rough wind. The temperature dropped significantly, ”Baiyin city mayor Zhang Xuchen said.

Shortly after receiving messages of support from some participants, marathon organizers sent a rescue team that managed to save 18 participants, he said.

Around 14:00 (06:00 GMT), the weather situation worsened and the race was immediately canceled as local authorities sent more rescuers to help, Zhang added.

“This incident is a public safety incident caused by weather changes in a local area,” he said, adding that provincial authorities will further investigate its cause.

Zhang said eight other runners were treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

A total of 172 people took part in the race. As of Sunday, 151 participants were confirmed safe, as well as injured, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Mountain temperatures have dropped overnight, Xinhu said, making search and rescue “more difficult.”

A landslide after severe weather also hampered rescue efforts, Baiying officials said.

Gansu, one of the poorest regions in China, is located in northern Mongolia and western Xinjiang.

Deadly floods and landslides have hit the province in the past, killing more than 1,000 people in a town in 2010 as a result of the mudslides.

It is also prone to earthquakes.

The River Stone Forest is famous for its rugged mountain scenery marked by stone stalagmites and columns, and is used as a location for many Chinese TV shows and movies.

Its rock formations are believed to be four billion years old, the newspaper said.