The Chinese ministries of finance and emergency management have jointly allocated 260 million yuan ($36.62 million) to bolster local disaster relief efforts as torrential rains wreak havoc across the country.
The funds will be distributed to several regions severely affected by recent natural disasters, including east China’s Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, central China’s Henan Province, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province, and northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The allocation aims to support emergency response activities such as search and rescue operations, relocation and resettlement of affected residents, prevention of secondary disasters, and repair of damaged homes, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday.
China has been grappling with intense rainfall that has triggered flash floods, landslides, and mudflows in multiple areas. These disasters have disrupted transportation networks and forced the evacuation of numerous communities.
The peak flood season, which spans from late July to early August, typically brings heavy rainfall and typhoons that elevate water levels, posing significant threats to communities situated along rivers, near lakes, and coastlines. This year, forecasts indicate that all seven major river basins in the country could experience flooding. Additionally, there is an increased likelihood of typhoons moving northward into inland regions, accompanied by more frequent and extreme weather events.
Tragedy struck on Friday evening when a highway bridge in Shaanxi Province collapsed due to torrential rains, resulting in 12 deaths and leaving 31 people missing. In Sichuan Province, over 30 individuals remain missing after flash floods swept through a village in Ya’an City at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to local authorities.
The Chinese government has emphasized the importance of proactive disaster prevention and mitigation measures to safeguard lives and property. The allocation of the disaster relief funds underscores the commitment to support affected regions in their recovery efforts.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
