China Reports Safety Gains but Warns of Q3 Disaster Risks in 2025

China's safety landscape showed marked improvement in the first half of 2025, with industrial accidents decreasing by 22.9% and fatalities dropping 17.8% year-on-year, according to Ministry of Emergency Management data released Tuesday. However, officials warned of heightened disaster risks as the country enters its critical third-quarter weather season.

Persistent Challenges in High-Risk Industries

While 8,079 accident-related deaths represent progress, authorities identified ongoing vulnerabilities:

• Fire Safety: Major blazes in commercial complexes highlight evacuation challenges
• Transportation: Illegal passenger transport persists in inland waterways
• Manufacturing: Resurgent risks in confined spaces and combustible dust
• Construction: State-owned enterprises involved in multiple collapse incidents

Natural Disasters: A Mixed Picture

First-half natural disasters caused ¥54.11 billion ($7.5B) in damages, with notable patterns:

• January's Xizang earthquake caused significant localized damage
• Southern floods contrasted with manageable drought conditions
• Southwest China saw increased landslides in Sichuan and Guizhou

Summer Storm Season Looms

MEM official Xu Xianbiao warned of compounding risks through August:

• Typhoon season coinciding with peak summer travel
• Extreme heat threatening power grids and outdoor workers
• Flood risks in both northern and southern regions

Authorities are implementing enhanced monitoring systems and emergency drills, particularly for critical infrastructure and transportation hubs.

Reference(s):

Report: China sees higher risks of disasters in 3rd quarter of 2025

cgtn.com