What Happened in Zhaotong? Two Dead and Thousands Evacuated Due to Heavy Rainfall
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Synopsis
The recent torrential rains in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, have turned deadly, with two confirmed fatalities and thousands evacuated. As rescue operations continue, the threat of severe weather looms over multiple regions. Stay informed about the ongoing situation and safety measures being taken.
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities confirmed due to torrential rains.
- Over 7,200 people evacuated to safety.
- Ongoing search and rescue operations for three missing individuals.
- Heavy rain expected to continue across multiple regions.
- Local authorities urged to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Kunming, July 10 (NationPress) Tragic news has emerged as two of the five individuals reported missing due to the relentless rain that has struck Zhaotong, a mountainous city in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, have been confirmed deceased as of 6:40 p.m. Thursday, according to local officials. Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing for the remaining three individuals who remain unaccounted for.
Since 7 a.m. Tuesday, heavy precipitation has swept through most areas of Zhaotong City, impacting several counties, including Zhenxiong, Weixin, and Yongshan.
The flooding in Luobu Township, Weixin County, resulted in the collapse of two residential buildings, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In response, Zhaotong officials have implemented extensive rescue and disaster relief efforts, successfully evacuating more than 7,200 individuals to safety by 7 p.m. Thursday.
On Thursday evening, China’s national meteorological agency issued a renewed yellow alert for rainstorms, predicting downpours in various regions across the country.
From 8:00 p.m. Thursday to 8:00 p.m. Friday, heavy rain and storms are anticipated in parts of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Inner Mongolia, and Heilongjiang, according to the National Meteorological Centre.
Parts of Guangdong and Fujian are expected to face torrential rainfall, with precipitation levels potentially reaching 300 mm, the centre noted.
Some of these areas may experience short bursts of heavy rainfall, with hourly rates soaring to 80 mm or more, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
The meteorological centre has advised local authorities to prepare for the anticipated heavy rainstorms and to implement necessary drainage measures in urban and agricultural areas.
China employs a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red indicating the most severe conditions, followed by orange, yellow, and blue.
Beijing also issued a blue alert for rainstorms early Thursday morning, initiating a Level-IV flood control emergency response across the city.
By Wednesday night, heavy rainfall had already affected Beijing, leading the Beijing Meteorological Observatory to issue a blue rainstorm warning at 6:33 a.m. Thursday.
Data from the municipal meteorological department indicated that by 7:00 a.m. Thursday, most areas of the city were predicted to experience significant precipitation, with hourly rainfall surpassing 30 mm and a six-hour accumulation exceeding 50 mm.
Point of View
The situation in Zhaotong reflects the increasing severity of weather patterns affecting China. Local governments must remain vigilant and prepared for such natural disasters while ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event.
NationPress
08/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the heavy rainfall in Zhaotong?
The heavy rainfall is attributed to seasonal weather patterns exacerbated by climate change, leading to extreme precipitation events in the region.
How are authorities responding to the situation?
Authorities have initiated search and rescue operations, evacuated over 7,200 people, and are implementing disaster relief measures.
What is the forecast for the coming days?
The National Meteorological Centre forecasts continued heavy rain and storms across various regions of China, urging local authorities to prepare.
What safety measures are being taken in affected areas?
Local governments are advised to take precautions, including drainage measures in urban areas and monitoring agricultural lands.
How does China's weather warning system work?
China uses a four-tier color-coded warning system to indicate weather severity, ranging from red for the most severe conditions to blue for less severe weather.
