What Caused the Tragic Flooding in China?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Six fatalities reported in Rongjiang County due to flooding.
- Flooding described as the worst in 50 years.
- Emergency response initiated at Level IV.
- Over 80,000 residents evacuated across affected counties.
- 100 million yuan allocated for disaster relief efforts.
Guiyang, June 26 (NationPress) Six individuals have tragically lost their lives as a result of intense flooding in Rongjiang County, located in southwest China's Guizhou Province, according to the local flood control authorities.
The area has been experiencing a catastrophic flood that has not occurred in half a century, with water levels in multiple rivers surging dramatically. The peak flow rate reached an astonishing 11,360 cubic metres per second.
This flood has submerged numerous low-lying regions and caused extensive damage to infrastructure across various townships, leading to obstructed roads, interrupted communication lines, and residents being stranded.
At present, the water level in the county seat has receded below the alert threshold.
Current efforts are directed towards dredging, draining excess water, epidemic prevention, sanitation of affected areas, recovery initiatives, and searching for those trapped, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On June 25, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) allocated 100 million yuan (approximately $13.95 million) to support disaster relief initiatives in southwest China's Guizhou Province.
The province has been gripped by a severe flooding crisis, prompting the national disaster prevention and relief commission to initiate a Level-IV emergency response on Tuesday.
This funding is designated for the restoration of essential infrastructure and public services in Guizhou, including roads, flood control systems, hospitals, and schools, as stated by the NDRC.
Moreover, an additional 100 million yuan has been allocated for the provinces of Guangdong and Hunan, situated in south and central China, respectively, to expedite the restoration of normalcy in daily life and production, the NDRC added.
China employs a four-tier emergency response framework for flood management, with Level I being the most critical.
Persistent heavy rainfall and upstream water inflows have incited severe flooding in two counties within Guizhou Province, necessitating mass evacuations.
To date, over 48,900 residents have been temporarily evacuated in Rongjiang County and 32,000 in Congjiang County.