China: Disruptions due to landslides and flooding ongoing across parts of Sichuan Province as of July 25

Disruptions due to landslides and flooding are ongoing across parts of Sichuan Province as of July 25. Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered multiple landslides in mountainous areas of the province and resulted in casualties, evacuations, and ground transport disruptions. A mudslide near a tourist resort in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture July 25 led to authorities evacuating 288 people from the area. The mudslide caused damage to a bridge and other facilities in the area, as well as rising river levels in a nearby gully. One person has been reported missing following mudslides in Heishui County. A landslide in Lengqi Town in Luding County caused traffic disruptions in the area on July 22. Heavy rainfall July 20-21 caused severe flooding in the Malie township area of Hanyuan County. Officials have confirmed at least 14 fatalities and around 25 others missing, as well as more than 1,500 people affected by the flooding. Dozens of homes and roads have been damaged. Flooding and landslides in Wenchuan County have resulted in at least four fatalities and led to authorities evacuating more than 900 people. Due to the threat of flooding, China's Ministry of Water Resources upgraded its emergency response to flooding in southwestern parts of Sichuan Province to Level 3 on a four-tier scale, July 23.

Further adverse weather is possible across Sichuan Province over the coming days. As of July 25, yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) are in place across northern and western areas of the province. 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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected areas.

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.