China: Disruptions due to Tropical Storm Gaemi ongoing across eastern region as of July 28

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of eastern China as of July 28, following the passing of Tropical Storm Gaemi. The system made landfall as a tropical storm over Fujian Province the afternoon of July 25, before weakening into a tropical depression and then dissipating as it moved northwestward over Jiangxi Province early July 27.

Anhui, Guangdong, Fujian, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shanxi, and Sichuan were among the affected provinces, with at least 290,000 people evacuated ahead of Tropical Storm Gaemi's landfall. At least 12 fatalities related to the system were reported as of July 28, of which 11 were killed in a mudslide in Yuelin village of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, morning of July 28.

Closure of factories, businesses, and schools continues in several areas, including Linjiang County, Jilin Province, and Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province. Transport disruptions continue, with train service disruptions likely until at least Aug. 1 due to track damages in parts of the affected provinces and partial road closures reported in Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are possible. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.