China

China Grapples with Severe Flooding: Dike Breaches and Mass Evacuations Amidst Heavy Rainfall

July 30, 2024August 20, 2024By Saanvi Sharma
0
China Severe Flooding

China Faces Severe Flooding After Heavy Rainfall

China is currently experiencing severe flooding after heavy rainfall, leading to dike breaches, street flooding, and the mass evacuation of residents. Over the past two days, the Juanshui River in Xiangtan County, Hunan Province, has seen three significant breaches. One of these breaches was successfully sealed on Monday afternoon.

Impact of the Juanshui River Flooding

The Juanshui River, a crucial tributary of the Yangtze River, has flooded at record levels following the effects of Typhoon Gaemi. A breach in Hekou Town, measuring over 30 meters, resulted in substantial flooding of homes and farmlands. Helicopters and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to evacuate residents, including 67-year-old Liu De’an, who was rescued from his submerged home.

Another breach occurred in Yisuhe Town on Sunday night, prompting the evacuation of more than 3,800 residents. The operation to manage the flooding involved over 1,200 personnel, including armed police, militia, and professional rescuers. Local officials and Communist Party members have also joined the efforts. Additionally, rescue teams are utilizing advanced technologies like drones and GPS instruments to enhance their operations.

China Severe Flooding: Widespread Torrential Rains Across Regions

Beyond Hunan, other regions in China are also suffering from torrential rains. In Dandong, Liaoning Province, the Yalu River overflowed, leading to severe flooding. The floodwaters submerged the main street and Yalu River Park, with the city recording 486.5 millimeters of rain since July—nearly double the historical average. This severe weather has forced the relocation of over 28,700 people, and 45 temporary flood-control gates have been installed to manage the situation.

Emergency Alerts and Continuing Challenges

In response to these challenges, China’s meteorological authorities have issued an orange alert for rainstorms. In anticipation of further heavy rainfall, Chongqing Municipality in southwest China has heightened its emergency responses. The widespread flooding has created complex challenges for the affected regions, with ongoing efforts needed to mitigate the damage.