06 Sep 2023 | 08:48 AM UTC
China: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Fujian Province as of Sept. 6
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Fujian Province, China, as of Sept. 6. Evacuations reported; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to severe flooding are ongoing across Fujian Province as of Sept. 6. Heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Typhoon Haikui has triggered widespread flooding and landslides across many parts of the province. Authorities have reported at least two flood-related fatalities across the province and have evacuated around 36,000 people due to flooding in the provincial capital Fuzhou. Power outages and communication disruptions have also been reported in the city. Subways and overland trains in and around Fuzhou have been suspended and many roads have been made impassable by floodwaters. Schools have been closed since Sept. 5. Further disruptions to air and ground transport networks and school closures are ongoing across other parts of Fujian as of Sept. 6.
Further severe weather is forecast across the southeastern parts of the country over the coming days. As of late Sept. 6, the China Meteorological Administration has issued orange (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) flash flood warnings and a yellow rainstorm for parts of the region, including eastern and southern Fujian. Yellow landslide warnings are in place for parts of eastern and southwestern Fujian. 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.
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 updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.
Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
