At least 23 killed as floods and landslides hit China, 2.8 million affected

At least 23 people have been killed since October 1, 2017 in six Chinese provinces after two waves of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds caused floods and landslides.

According to China's Ministry of Civil Affairs, the storms caused widespread damage in the provinces of Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Shaanxi. As of 09:00 local time on October 9, there are 6 affected provinces, 17 prefectures, 81 counties (cities, districts) and 2 780 000 people. 

23 people were killed, 34 000 were evacuated and 34 000 required rescue assistance. In addition, more than 5 200 houses collapsed and 24 000 were damaged. The direct economic loss is estimated at 3.26 billion yuan (US$490.3 million).

According to the Anhui provincial Department of Civil Affairs reports, 26 000 people were affected in Suzhou city. 856 000 were affected and 100 houses damaged in Henan province. 14 000 people were affected in Sichuan.

In Hubei, 1 631 000 people were affected, 4 people were killed, 15 000 displaced and 31 000 rescued. More than 1 200 houses collapsed and 12 000 sustained damage.

3-day rainfall accumulation by 15:00 UTC on October 10, 2017 – China. Credit: NASA/JAXA GPM

177 000 people were affected in Chongqing province, 15 killed, more than 3 800 displaced and more than 800 rescued. In total, 3 100 houses collapsed in the province and 5 700 sustained damage.

In Shaanxi, 74 000 people were affected, 4 were killed, 16 000 displaced and more than 2 500 rescued. More than 900 houses collapsed and more than 5 900 sustained damage.

Featured image:​ 3-day rainfall accumulation by 15:00 UTC on October 10, 2017 – China. Credit: NASA/JAXA GPM