Image Credits - China Xinhua News
In a decisive response to severe weather conditions, China’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Emergency Management have allocated 260 million yuan (approximately 36.62 million U.S. dollars) to support local governments in disaster relief efforts. This funding, announced on Saturday, will be directed to the provinces of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Shaanxi to bolster emergency response activities including search and rescue operations, the transfer and resettlement of affected individuals, and the repair of damaged infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall has unleashed flash floods, landslides, and mudflows across various regions in China, significantly disrupting transportation and forcing mass evacuations. The peak flood season, which spans from late July to early August, is notorious for its heavy rainfall and typhoons that elevate water levels, posing substantial risks to communities along rivers, near lakes, and coastal areas.
Forecasts predict that all seven major river basins in China could face flooding during this critical period. Additionally, typhoons are expected to move northward into inland regions, potentially leading to more frequent and severe weather events.
The recent torrential rains have already resulted in tragic outcomes. A highway bridge collapse in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province on Friday evening resulted in 12 fatalities and 31 individuals reported missing. In southwestern Sichuan Province, flash floods devastated a village in Ya’an City early Saturday morning, with over 30 people still unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
As the nation braces for further extreme weather, the coordinated efforts between central and local governments will be crucial in managing the ongoing crisis and preventing further loss of life and property.