Officials said most of the deaths were linked to a dam breach in Nanning city, where powerful floodwaters swept through towns following days of record rainfall.

Heavy rain battered southern Guangxi for several days, with rainfall reaching over 90 centimetres in some of the worst-hit areas, according to officials.

Thousands of rescuers, along with drones and boats, have been deployed to evacuate people trapped in homes and buildings surrounded by floodwaters.

Authorities said nearly 130,000 residents have been evacuated as rescue teams continue operations across flood-hit areas of southern China.

More than 8,000 personnel and 5,700 boats have been deployed as crews battle strong currents and debris to reach affected communities.