China: Heavy rain, transport disruptions in Sichuan July 2

Event

Torrential rain disrupted rail, road, and air traffic in the southwestern province of Sichuan on Monday, July 2. Over 10,000 passengers were left stranded at Chengdu International Airport (CTU), where more than 100 flights were delayed or canceled. A number of trains were also canceled and a section of the high-speed rail line linking Chengdu with Xi'an was temporarily closed to check for possible damages. Furthermore, parts of 17 highways were also temporarily closed.

Context

Sichuan province (population 80 million; capital Chengdu; 1800 km [1120 mi] southwest of Beijing) has been hit hard by heavy rain so far this summer. As of late June, some 32 counties and over 200 towns had been impacted. The provincial authorities have warned the population to remain on alert as the rain continues.

Advice

Individuals present in Sichuan are advised to monitor weather forecasts, refrain from traveling to flooded areas, and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.