China’s North and West on Red Alert Amid Deadly Floods
Date Published
Northern and western China are on high alert due to severe weather threats following deadly floods. Torrential rains are expected to worsen conditions, increasing risks of flash flooding and landslides.
Heavy Rain Warnings Across Multiple Provinces
Red alerts have been issued for Gansu province in the northwest and Liaoning in the northeast as intense rain spreads. Rescue teams have mobilized, with over 1,000 workers dispatched to Taiping in Henan province after a river overflowed, killing five and leaving three missing.
Fatalities and Damage Reported
A landslide at a Gansu construction site caused two deaths amid heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Xianfeng city in Hubei province experienced a record downpour, receiving more than a month’s rain within 12 hours. Local videos show floodwaters washing away vehicles.
Evacuations and Precautionary Measures
Authorities evacuated 18,000 people in affected areas, closed schools, and halted bus services to safeguard residents. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing urged Hebei officials to intensify evacuation efforts during his provincial visit.
Challenges in Weather Forecasting
Despite China’s advanced nationwide weather monitoring system, localized forecasting remains difficult, especially in rural regions lacking resources. Climate modeling expert Meng Gao explained, "Accurately forecasting the intensity and exact location of heavy rain remains challenging, especially with climate change and the complex terrain of rural areas."
Historical Context and Economic Impact
Last summer’s "plum rains" caused over $10 billion in economic losses across China, underscoring the recurring risks these seasonal downpours pose to communities and infrastructure.
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These developments emphasize the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and localized forecasting improvements in vulnerable Chinese provinces. The ongoing alerts highlight the critical importance of coordinated response efforts to minimize harm from extreme weather events.