Torrential rains have forced the evacuation of 36,000 people in southeast China’s Fujian Province, according to the provincial flood control office on Sunday.
Days of relentless downpours have wreaked havoc across many parts of the province, prompting authorities to declare an emergency response to the rainstorms. As of 8 p.m. on Saturday, the latest round of rainfall had affected 179,800 residents and damaged 12,350 hectares of crops, resulting in a direct economic loss of 1.61 billion yuan (approximately $225 million).
Longyan City’s Wuping County has been among the hardest-hit areas. Multiple landslides caused by the heavy rainfall have led to the deaths of four people, with two others still missing as of 10 a.m. on Monday. The disasters have also caused 378 houses to collapse and damaged 880 hectares of crops in the county.
The severe weather has underscored the vulnerability of the region to extreme climatic events, raising concerns among local communities and authorities. Emergency services are on high alert, and rescue operations are underway to locate the missing individuals and provide relief to the affected populations.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions. Meteorologists have predicted that the heavy rains may continue in the coming days, potentially exacerbating the situation.
The flooding in Fujian Province highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events in Asia, emphasizing the need for robust disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures.
Reference(s):
Heavy rain triggers flooding, causes 36,000 in SE China to evacuate
cgtn.com
