China: Flooding kills five people in Yunnan September 2

Event

Heavy rain caused significant flooding in Yunnan province on Sunday, September 2. The rain hit the area in the early morning hours of Sunday in Malipo county, resulting in power outages, structural damages, and communication disruptions. As of September 2, flooding killed at least five people and another 16 are still missing from Mengdong Township. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Context

Rainfalls, flooding, and storms are common during the wet season (May to November), affecting mostly southern and eastern coastal regions, with some effect on transportation.

Advice

Individuals present in Yunnan province are advised to keep abreast of the situation, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.