China: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northern and northeastern regions as of Aug. 3 /update 1

Event

Disruptions due to severe flooding and landslides are ongoing across northern and northeastern China as of Aug. 3. Heavy rainfall in recent days associated with Typhoon Doksuri and the current rainy season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides in many areas, particularly across Beijing and Hebei Province. Authorities have evacuated more than 1.2 million people across Hebei Province and around 50,000 in Beijing. As of Aug. 3, authorities have reported 11 fatalities in Beijing and 10 in Hebei Province; dozens are still missing across the affected areas. A highway bridge collapsed on the Harbin-Mudanjiang Highway in Heilongjiang Province early Aug. 3. At least two cars fell into the river and an unknown number of people are missing; the highway remains closed as of late Aug. 3.

Further severe weather is forecast across the affected area through at least Aug. 9. 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. The China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue rainstorm warning (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of northeastern China Aug. 3-4. Rainfall totals of 10-22 cm (4-9 inches) are possible in parts of northeastern Inner Mongolia, southern Heilongjiang, and northern Jilin. Authorities have also issued yellow landslide warnings across parts of northern and western Beijing, western Hebei, and southern Heilongjiang. Yellow severe thunderstorm warnings are in place across scattered parts of the affected area.

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