China: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central and northern regions as of July 4 /update 1

Event

Disruptions due to severe flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of central and northern China as of July 4. Heavy rainfall in recent days associated with the current rainy season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides across parts of the affected regions. In Chongqing Municipality heavy rainfall caused the Sibuhe railway bridge to collapse July 4, leading to rail service disruptions in the area. Flooding has also inundated several homes in the municipality, displacing an unconfirmed number of people. Four people are missing after floodwaters swept a vehicle away in Queshan County in Henan Province late July 3. Authorities reported at least one fatality and two others missing following flash floods in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region July 2. Thousands of people have been evacuated and more than 2,000 homes damaged in Hunan Province as of July 3. Previous flooding resulted in at least four fatalities in Miansi Township in Sichuan Province June 27. Flooding and landslides have also been reported in parts of Guizhou, Shaanxi, and Yunan provinces in recent days.

Further severe weather is forecast across parts of the country over the coming days: additional rainfall could trigger landslides and is likely to hamper rescue and recovery efforts. As of July 4, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue rainstorm warning (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) over parts of northeastern and southern China and yellow landslide warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) have been issued across parts of central China.

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.

Resources

China Meteorological Administration