China: Severe weather causing flooding and disruptions in several provinces as of July 20

Event

Heavy rains are causing flooding and disruptions in several areas of mainland China as of July 20. Affected areas include parts of Anhui, Fujian, Hebei, Henan, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi provinces, and the national capital, Beijing. The rains are forecast to move southward, impacting other provinces, including Guangdong and Yunnan, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Officials also forecast that several rivers, including the Yangtze and Zhujiang, may experience localized flooding. Authorities have not reported any casualties due to the flooding, though they may announce updates in the coming days. Thousands of people are affected, especially in Inner Mongolia, where two reservoir dams collapsed due to the flooding. Officials are conducting rescue operations in affected areas.

Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rains have caused significant flooding in several areas, including Zhengzhou city in Henan, as of July 20. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are also possible, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Landslides could result in structures being damaged or destroyed. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Flooding has caused significant transport disruptions, with roadways in affected areas becoming waterlogged. Multiple bridges have been damaged or destroyed in affected areas. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or other roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Airport authorities may also delay or cancel flights due to adverse weather conditions.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays, as well as potential supply chain disruptions, where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.