China: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in eastern regions as of July 6 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of eastern China as of July 6. Heavy rainfall in recent days has led to rising river levels in the Yangtze River and its tributaries. A dike breach along the Dongting Lake in Huarong County, Hunan Province, July 5-6 has resulted in the evacuation of around 5,700 people. Authorities have implemented traffic controls on all roads leading in and out of Huarong County July 6. The Miluo River in Pingjiang County, Hunan Province, has also risen to its highest level in 70 years; the floods have affected more than 364,000 people, damaged farmlands and over 2,600 sections of roads and bridges, and caused multiple landslides in the county. Authorities have activated the maximum emergency response level. Hunan provincial authorities reported that 27 people had died and eight were missing across 14 cities.

In Anhui Province, nearly one million people have been affected, and over 240,000 have been evacuated due to severe flooding. Many parts of the province recorded more than 10 cm (4 inches) of rainfall July 1-2, causing the Yangtze and dozens of other rivers and lakes to reach dangerous levels. Authorities in Jiangsu Province have also activated an emergency flood response along the Yangtze River and have banned various vessels, including passenger ferries, from entering or operating in the river's Jiangsu section.

Further adverse weather is forecast across the region over the coming days, which will likely exacerbate the current flood situation. As of July 6, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued blue heavy rain and severe convective weather warnings for parts of the affected area July 6-7, with expected heaviest rainfall totals of 5-9 cm (2-4 inches). Heavy downpours may be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

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 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.

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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the east coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. 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.