Ten people died after four boats capsized during a sudden storm in Guizhou province, southwest China, state media reported on Monday.

The vessels were caught in a sudden rain and hailstorm that swept through the popular tourist area on the Wu River late Sunday afternoon.

What do we know about the Wu River disaster?

A total of 84 people were thrown into the river as the boats overturned, with 70 hospitalized with non-life-threatening conditions. Four of the tourists escaped uninjured.

One person reported to be missing was found dead around noon on Monday, bringing the confirmed death toll to ten.

An eyewitness described deep waters and thick mist that made escape and rescue efforts more difficult.

Only two of the boats had been carrying passengers, and the crew members of the other two reached land safely.

The incident happened during the May Day holiday, a peak travel period in China.

How did Chinese authorities respond?

Nearly 500 rescue personnel, including police and firefighters, were deployed in the overnight search and rescue operation.

An initial investigation reported that the boats, with a capacity of around 40 passengers each, had not been overloaded. 

However, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged officials to strengthen safety measures at tourist attractions and public venues after a recent series of fatal accidents.

Meanwhile, state media said Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing had been sent to Guizhou to oversee the rescue efforts.

The incident comes just over two months after 11 people died in Hunan province when a passenger boat struck an industrial vessel.

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher