Death Toll From Heavy Flooding in China's Henan Province Hits 33 People, Over 3 Mln in Disaster Area
Flooding was precipitated by record rainstorms that swept through the province in the past several days, with Zhengzhou being the hardest hit. Power shortages and road collapses were also caused by the harsh weather.
The death toll from heavy rains that caused flooding in central China's Henan province has risen to 33 people, with eight more missing, the local emergency services department said on Thursday.
More than 3 million people remain in 103 communities in the disaster-hit area, some 256,000 people have been displaced, the authorities added. The area of agricultural land affected by the disaster is estimated at about 215,000 hectares, with direct economic damage estimated at 1.22 billion yuan.
Sleepless night for so many people in Henan as the rain keeps falling and northern areas are increasingly facing major problems. Many people are calling out for help for the smaller city of Weihui, where water levels are rising up to waist level and sandbags are needed. pic.twitter.com/LKp3pW3Jto
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) July 21, 2021
Earlier the state media reported 25 people dead and seven missing.
The city of Zhengzhou suffered the most from the natural disaster. Some weather stations in the city recorded a historic record of average daily precipitation, which led to overflow of reservoirs, which eventually destroyed several dams in the region, causing even more damage.
Since daybreak, more videos have been posted that show just how bad the situation in northern Henan is right now. In Weihui, the water reaches up to the neck. pic.twitter.com/eRsgJqm3D9
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) July 22, 2021
On Wednesday, state news agency Xinhua reported that Chinese authorities have undertaken enormous rescue and relief efforts in reaction to record rainstorms that have engulfed Henan Province, leaving large areas under water.
According to the report, the capital city of Zhengzhou had 617.1 mm of rain over a three-day period beginning Saturday night, which is close to the city's typical yearly total.
In the province's mountainous western and northwestern parts, excessive rain has heightened the risk of mountain torrents and geological disasters.The water levels of small and medium-sized rivers and reservoirs in the Yellow and Haihe River basins have swiftly risen, causing widespread urban flooding and agricultural flooding.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday directed the authorities at all levels to arrange flood prevention and disaster relief forces as soon as possible, adequately accommodate those affected, strictly prevent secondary catastrophes, and reduce casualties and property losses.