Beijing, China (TEH) – In what appears to be an escalating catastrophe, heavy rains and resultant landslides in eastern China have led to at least five fatalities. With three individuals still missing and over 1,500 relocated to safer locales, China is grappling with an escalating flood crisis. These developments were relayed by the country’s official media outlets.
China National Radio divulged that Fuyang district in Hangzhou witnessed extensive flooding on Saturday, affecting numerous residences. China Central Television (CCTV) reported the landslide resulting from the relentless rains induced the collapse of a part of a mountain, disrupting multiple areas in the vicinity and leaving upwards of 1,600 homes bereft of power.
In the wake of the landslides and floods, over 1,500 inhabitants in the affected area have been evacuated. Seasonal floods, a yearly occurrence, inflict substantial damage on vast regions of China, predominantly in the semi-tropical south. However, the northern area has reported its most severe floods in half a century this year.
This month, the country has been beleaguered by torrential rains, causing loss of life and property across several regions. Earlier in the month, the southwestern region of Chongqing was similarly affected, recording a minimum of 15 fatalities due to floods.
Parallelly, the northeastern province of Liaoning was severely affected, with floods transforming numerous roads into rivers. Close to 5,590 inhabitants were forced to evacuate. The downpour caused substantial damage, destroying around 30 homes and affecting 54 hectares of crops.
In the central province of Hubei, the incessant rain accompanying the storm stranded people in their vehicles and confined others to their homes. Government reports state that about 220 individuals in the city of Jianing were rescued or evacuated by Saturday evening.
The current situation harks back to the most catastrophic and devastating floods in China’s recent history that took place in 1998, claiming 4,150 lives. As authorities scramble to handle the crisis, the country awaits a respite from the unforgiving downpours.
