Severe flooding hit Xingtai city in the northeastern Chinese province of Hebei from July 19 to 21, causing at least 25 deaths while another 13 were missing, according to the Xingtai government.

Media in Hong Kong reported that more than 200 people were dead or missing, and local residents have accused officials of hiding information and that they’re responsible for some of the deaths, which residents suspect was a direct result of the release of water from a reservoir.

Xingtai Mayor Dong Xiaoyu apologised on Saturday, July 24, for not able to protect people’s lives and properties.

This drone footage shows flood relief in Shahe, Xingtai, Hebei. Credit: Zhang Jinhan & Yu Xiangyang