Beijing, China(AP) – In the midst of a scorching summer, heavy flooding has wreaked havoc across various regions in China, displacing thousands of people. However, the capital city of Beijing experienced a brief respite from the sweltering heat that had persisted for 9.8 consecutive days, surpassing 35°C (95°F), according to the National Climate Center’s report on Monday.
This extreme heatwave marked a record-breaking occurrence not witnessed since 1961 when air conditioning and fans were not as prevalent as they are today. The lack of rainfall has exacerbated the situation, with Beijing receiving even less precipitation than usual this year.
Simultaneously, alarming news emerged from other parts of the country. South Africa experienced devastating flooding, resulting in the loss of seven lives, with seven individuals still reported missing. In a bid to prevent a potential default, Pakistan secured a lifeline from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) through a new $3 billion bailout package. The purpose of the funds is to stabilize the nation’s economy and avert a financial crisis.
Scientists have recently highlighted that warming temperatures are leading to more intense rainfall events instead of snowfall in mountainous regions, posing significant challenges for communities living in those areas.
In southwest China, flash floods triggered landslides, resulting in four fatalities and the evacuation of 900 individuals. Rescue teams are actively searching for any remaining missing persons in the affected region.
While the temperature in Beijing has temporarily moderated, with a midday reading of 33°C (91°F) on Monday, authorities have cautioned that the mercury is expected to rise again later this week, possibly reaching a scorching 39.6°C (103°F) in the capital city and other parts of the country.
The central province of Hunan faced urgent evacuations as more than 10,000 people were moved to safety due to severe flooding. The Xiang’xi Emergency Management Bureau reported the collapse of approximately 70 houses, 2,283 damaged structures, and widespread flooding of agricultural fields. Preliminary estimates indicate losses exceeding 575 million yuan ($79 million).
In Zhenba county, located in Shaanxi province, authorities reported the worst flooding in half a century, resulting in the destruction of roads and damage to numerous homes. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported thus far in relation to these floods.
China, despite regularly experiencing summer flooding, has witnessed unusual weather patterns this year. Approximately 11 provinces, covering nearly half of the nation’s land area, are expected to face heavy rains in the coming days, particularly in the humid southern regions.
Notably, the devastating floods in 2021 claimed over 300 lives in Henan province. The provincial capital of Zhengzhou witnessed record-breaking rainfall on July 20, transforming streets into raging rivers and inundating a portion of the subway system.
China’s most severe floods in recent history occurred in 1998, resulting in the tragic loss of 4,150 lives, primarily along the Yangtze River.
As the nation grapples with the dual challenges of extreme heat and devastating flooding, authorities and rescue teams remain on high alert, taking preventive measures and offering aid to affected regions to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters.
