18 Aug 2022 | 12:28 PM UTC
China: Disruptions due to severe flooding and landslides ongoing in Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County in Qinghai Province as of Aug. 18
Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts of Qinghai Province, China, as of Aug. 18. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to severe flooding and landslides are ongoing in Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Qinghai Province, as of Aug. 18. Intense downpours late Aug. 17 triggered a landslide which diverted a river and triggered flash flooding and debris flows in parts of the county. Authorities have reported at least 16 fatalities due to the adverse weather, as well as at least 18 people missing. Over 6,000 people have been affected by the floods and several houses and roads in the area have been damaged. Over 2,000 emergency responders have been deployed to the region as of Aug. 18 as response operations continue.
Further adverse weather is forecast over the area in the coming days and could hamper ongoing response operations, as well as trigger additional flooding and landslides. As of late Aug. 18, the Datong County Meteorological Observatory has issued orange flash flood warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) across the county, as well as yellow lightning and landslide warnings. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or 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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
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.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
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 and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
