Flash floods destroy villages, leave 2 dead and 10 missing in Shandong province, China
Flash floods triggered by intense rainfall during the early hours of July 22, 2025, killed two people and left 10 missing in Laiwu District of Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
Image credit: Jim Yang
Flash floods caused by torrential rainfall struck Laiwu District in Jinan, eastern China’s Shandong province, during the early morning hours of July 22.
According to authorities, 270 mm (10.6 inches) of rain fell in just 3 hours, and 364 mm (14.3 inches) was recorded between 00:00 and 05:00 local time (LT) across the district, triggering flash floods in Shijie Village and Zhujiayu Village, both located in Dawangzhuang Township.
According to the Jinan Laiwu District Emergency Management Bureau, the disaster destroyed or damaged 19 houses, leaving two people dead and ten others missing. Footage posted online showed washed-out roads, collapsed bridges, and vehicles swept away by floodwaters.
Both affected villages are situated in the Xiangshan International Tourism Resort, which was closed preemptively on July 21. The area suffered widespread transport disruptions, with roads leading to the villages impassable due to infrastructure collapse.
Meteorological authorities issued a red warning for heavy rain in Laiwu District at 06:00 LT, while the broader region remained under a yellow-level warning.
The Jinan Meteorological Bureau forecast continued showers and possible scattered thunderstorms, with a 70% probability of additional precipitation through the evening and next day.
As of 09:10 LT on July 22, the Jinan Bureau of the National Railway reported delays to multiple services on the Beijing-Kowloon Line, including K732, K892, and T182, due to flooding near Haocheng Station.
Shijie Village, home to 205 people in 81 households, has 6.5 ha (16 acres) of arable land and 493 ha (1 218 acres) of mountainous terrain. Zhujiayu Village holds 19.3 ha (48 acres) of farmland and 333 ha (823 acres) of mountainous area, with a total population of 621. Agricultural losses are likely, though official estimates are pending.
Authorities confirmed that search-and-rescue operations remain active, with post-disaster relief progressing in a structured manner.
1 Two dead, 10 missing after colossal rain in China’s Shandong – Reuters – July 22, 2025
2 济南莱芜区强降雨引发山洪 至少2死10人失联 – QYCZ Test News – July 22, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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