14 Jul 2023 | 10:50 AM UTC
China: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across multiple regions as of July 14 /update 3
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of China as of July 14. Evacuations ongoing; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to severe flooding and landslides are ongoing across many regions of China as of July 14. Heavy rainfall in recent days and weeks associated with the current rainy season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides in many areas, particularly across central and northern China. More than 40,000 people have been evacuated and nine people are missing across parts of Sichuan Province as of July 12 due to rising river levels and flooded homes. More than 2,600 people were evacuated in parts of Chongqing Municipality following heavy rainfall July 14; previous flooding and landslides in the region led to at least 15 fatalities as of July 6. Red alerts for flooding have also been issued in parts of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Henan Province in recent days and severe flooding has been reported in parts of Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces. Heavy downpours, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms have occurred across many other parts of the country, including Gansu, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces.
Further severe weather is forecast across parts of the country over the coming days. Additional rainfall could trigger further flooding and landslides; areas where the ground is already saturated from previous heavy rainfall, are likely to be the most susceptible. As of July 14, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue rainstorm warning (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) over parts of northeastern, eastern, and southern China; blue thunderstorm, hail, and strong wind warnings across northeastern, central, and eastern China; and yellow landslide warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across parts of eastern Inner Mongolia, northern Chongqing, and southern Yunnan.
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.
