China Flood Season: Unprecedented Challenges in 2024
China is currently grappling with one of its most severe flood seasons in recent history, with 25 major flood events recorded so far. This makes it the most challenging year since flood data collection began in 1998. The China flood season has been marked by extreme weather, affecting both the northern and southern regions of the country with unusually heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.
Impact of Extreme Weather on China’s Flood Season
During a press conference, Vice Minister of Water Resources Wang Bao’en highlighted the unprecedented challenges of this year’s China flood season. He noted that although the most critical period has passed, China remains in its primary flood season, and significant challenges still lie ahead.
The impact of Typhoon Gaemi has been particularly severe, contributing to the extreme weather conditions. Rainfall across the country has been 10 percent above the annual average, with Typhoon Gaemi alone accounting for 216.7 billion cubic meters of rainfall in southern China—43 percent more than what Typhoon Doksuri brought last year.
Widespread Flooding and Rising River Levels
Large-scale flooding has been more frequent than usual this year. Approximately 30 rivers across China have exceeded historical flood levels, with 13 major floods occurring in river basins such as those of the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe, and Pearl rivers. Rivers surpassing warning levels have increased by 120 percent compared to previous years, with some exceeding flood control guarantee levels by nearly 60 percent.
Increased Disaster Frequency and Severity
This flood season has also seen a rise in disaster occurrences, including embankment breaches in Hunan Province, a highway bridge collapse in Shaanxi Province, and numerous flash floods and mudslides. These incidents highlight the extreme complexity and severity of the current China flood season.
Ongoing Risks and Future Concerns
Severe flooding continues to affect areas like the Wusuli River in Heilongjiang Province, near the Russian border. The ongoing heavy rainfall raises the risk of secondary disasters, and the potential for additional typhoon impacts could further complicate flood control efforts.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether China can successfully navigate the remainder of this unprecedented flood season or if further challenges lie ahead. The country’s ability to manage these extreme conditions will be crucial in mitigating the long-term impacts on both the population and infrastructure.