Natural disasters in China affected over 84 million people in 2024, resulting in 836 deaths or missing persons
A recent report by China’s Ministry of Emergency Management reveals that natural disasters, primarily floods and extreme weather, hit China hard in the first three quarters of 2024, impacting over 84 million people and incurring an economic loss of 323.2 billion yuan.
Damage caused by Super Typhoon "Yagi" in China - September 2024. Credit: Douyin/870943864
China experienced a series of natural disasters in the first three quarters of the year, primarily involving floods, geological events, and extreme weather, according to a recent report from the Office of the National Disaster Prevention, Reduction, and Relief Committee.
These events affected over 84 million people, resulting in 836 deaths or missing persons and extensive economic and infrastructural damage. Over 3.3 million people were urgently relocated, approximately 50 000 homes collapsed, and another 630 000 sustained damage.
Roughly 90.48 million hectares (223.6 million acres) of crops were impacted, causing significant losses. The direct economic toll from these disasters reached 323.2 billion yuan.
The severity of impact varied by region, with southern areas experiencing harsher effects than the north. The peak flood season, primarily in July and August, saw an increase in fatalities, missing persons, and economic losses, representing 38 % and 32 % of the year’s total, respectively. Key provinces affected included Hunan, Guangdong, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Fujian, and Hainan.
Rainfall was unusually high across China during this period, averaging 633.3 mm (24.9 inches), about 10.5 % above average. Thirty-six regional rainstorms led to sustained and overlapping rainfall in many areas, with some regions exceeding historical rainfall records.
These intense rainfall patterns contributed to frequent floods and geological disasters, impacting communities and infrastructure severely.
The typhoon season began later than usual but included Super Typhoon “Yagi” (Makar) in early September, the strongest autumn typhoon to make landfall in China since meteorological records began.
The typhoon caused widespread damage in South and East China, particularly affecting Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan. Approximately 2.73 million people were affected, with four fatalities reported and 459 000 people urgently evacuated.
Droughts also impacted both northern and southern regions, notably affecting Sichuan, Chongqing, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.
In July, as rain belts moved northward, drought conditions eased in parts of North China, Huanghuai, and eastern Northwest China. However, by August, high temperatures and low rainfall renewed droughts in Sichuan, Chongqing, and parts of the Yangtze River basin, affecting 4.76 million people and damaging 335 200 hectares (828 500 acres) of crops.
As autumn and winter approach, the risk of forest and grassland fires has risen, with some areas also facing increased threats of wind, hail, floods, and geological disasters.
References:
1 Regular press conference of the Ministry of Emergency Management – MEM – Accessed October 28, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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