Severe rainfall in northern China's Hebei Province has claimed three lives and left four others missing, local authorities confirmed Saturday. Torrential downpours that began on July 28 triggered widespread flooding, disrupting transportation and forcing emergency evacuations across multiple cities.
Rescue teams are combing affected areas with boats and heavy machinery, prioritizing vulnerable communities near swollen rivers. Provincial meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to a stalled low-pressure system interacting with seasonal monsoon patterns.
This disaster follows weeks of historic heatwaves across Asia, highlighting the region's growing climate challenges. Analysts note the flooding's timing during peak agricultural seasons could impact local crop yields, with potential ripple effects on food supply chains.
Hebei's emergency management bureau has activated its highest response level, mobilizing over 2,000 personnel and 300 rescue vehicles. The Chinese mainland's flood control authority continues to monitor the situation as more rain is forecast for coming days.
