China: Heavy rain brings flooding in southern Gansu province August 18 /update 1

Event

Heavy rainfall over parts of central China has resulted in landslides and flash floods, particularly in southern Gansu province, with authorities having deployed aid to the affected areas on Tuesday, August 18. The rains, which caused the Yangtze and other rivers to swell to dangerous levels, caused flash floods and landslides across the region. In Longnan city, around 50 people are reported to be trapped on their rooftops waiting for assistance.

More than 60,000 people have been evacuated following heavy rains in Sichuan province, according to Chinese authorities. Heavy rains mainly affected the eastern part of the plateau area in western Sichuan and the western Sichuan Basin between Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16. The Ministry of Water Resources said on Monday that 38 tributaries on the upper reaches of the Yangtze were now higher than their warning levels, 19 dangerously so, prompting evacuations in numerous cities, including Deyang, Mianyang, Yaan, and the province's capital city of Chengdu. While significant infrastructural damage was reported due to flooding, no casualties have been reported.

Further heavy rainfall and resultant flooding are possible over the coming days, along with associated disruptions to business and transport.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate possible transportation disruptions and power outages, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.