Heavy Rainstorms Kill Several Across China, More Rain Expected
News Desk
Beijing: Record-breaking rainfall has battered several regions across China in recent days, forcing school and workplace closures, triggering evacuations, and prompting the government to release millions in disaster relief funding.
According to state-run broadcaster CGTN, relentless downpours have affected multiple provinces, with central and southern China bearing the brunt of the extreme weather.
In Hunan province, five people were confirmed dead while 11 others remain missing, state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday. Earlier reports said more than 61,500 residents in one county alone had been impacted by severe flooding and storm damage.
In neighboring Guangxi region, 10 people lost their lives after a truck attempting to cross a swollen river plunged into the water on Saturday evening. The first casualty from the incident was reported on Sunday.
Guizhou province has also suffered widespread destruction from heavy rainfall, leaving four people dead and five missing.
Meanwhile, in Hubei province, torrential rains triggered floods that killed three people and left four others unaccounted for. The floods also damaged infrastructure, collapsing buildings and cutting off communications in several villages.
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Chinese authorities have stepped up emergency response efforts as the severe weather continues. On Tuesday, the government announced the allocation of 120 million yuan (approximately $17.6 million) in disaster relief funds for five of the worst-affected regions.
An additional 30 million yuan was directed to Guizhou province due to extensive casualties and property damage, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
Authorities said nearly 24,000 residents have been evacuated across Hunan, Guizhou, and Hubei provinces.
Meteorologists have warned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides.
Scientists say climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events worldwide as global temperatures continue to rise due to fossil fuel emissions. Although China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it is also investing heavily in renewable energy and has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
