12 million people affected, 78 killed as severe floods continue across south and east China

Heavy rains and floods left at least 12 people dead and 10 others missing in south China's Sichuan province as of Sunday afternoon, June 28, 2020. Since late May, severe weather has left 78 people dead or missing, 12 million affected, more than 8 000 homes destroyed, and 97 000 damaged.

Rainstorms from Friday to Saturday, June 26 to 27 led to floods in Yihai Township, where 10 people died and seven others remain missing, according to the county government. Emergency teams rescued 223 people trapped in the area.

In Gaoyang, two vehicles were washed away into a river after floodwaters damaged the highway, causing two fatalities and leaving three people missing.

More than 99 880 people have been affected in Yihai and Gaoyang as flooding cut off local roads and damaged houses, as well as crops. A total of 7 705 people have been evacuated, with rescue and relief efforts ongoing.

The Sichuan Provincial Emergency Management Department has provided 500 tents, bedding, and other relief items to the affected people. 

In the eastern region, floods since June 22 have affected 526 000 people in Jiangxi. 45 counties, cities, and districts were hit, and as many as 42 000 have evacuated their homes.

Floods affecting Anhui since June 24 have affected more than 20 counties, including Ma’anshan, Lu’an, Anqing, Xuancheng, and Huangshan.

Rivers are at an extremely high level in the eastern Jiangsu province, where heavy rain is still falling. 

China’s National Meteorological Center reported at least eight areas in the province recorded more than 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period to June 29, including Chuzhou, which recorded 135.8 mm (5.3 inches).

According to China’s National Water and Rain Information service, river levels in the province were above the danger mark in at least 18 locations, particularly around Suzhou City, as of June 29.

Since late May, severe weather has left 78 people dead or missing, 12 million affected, more than 8 000 homes destroyed, and 97 000 damaged.

A red warning for rain was issued for Taoyuan in Hunan on June 29. Heavy rain is forecast over parts of southern China on June 29 to 30, including northern Hunan, northern Guizhou, and southern Sichuan.

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