Deadly Flash Floods in China Leave Over a Dozen Dead and Nearly Thirty Missing
Heavy Rains and Extreme Weather Events Strike China, Claiming Lives and Triggering Rescue Efforts
China has been hit by a series of extreme weather events in recent weeks, with heavy rains and flooding causing widespread destruction and loss of life across the country.
In late July and early August 2025, northern China experienced heavy rainfall, with Beijing and its surrounding provinces being particularly affected. The capital city alone reported more than 30 deaths due to flooding exacerbated by its topography. Elsewhere, heavy rains in northern Beijing killed 44 people, with the capital's rural suburbs hit the hardest.
In northwest China’s Gansu province, mudslides and flash floods have caused at least 13 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing. Southern Guangdong province suffered fatalities as well, with at least five people killed from torrential rains.
The recent extreme weather events have also put a strain on affected populations in central and southern China, with simultaneous heatwaves and heavy rains being reported in Chongqing, where temperatures exceeded 40°C for a week.
Rescue and evacuation efforts are actively underway across affected areas. For example, Shanghai evacuated approximately 280,000 people ahead of Storm Co-may, which brought strong winds and heavy rainfall. In Taiwan and southeastern China, preparations and evacuations are underway due to Tropical Cyclone Podul, expected to make landfall between 13-14 August 2025, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that could exacerbate flooding risks in the region.
China's President Xi Jinping has ordered an "utmost effort" in rescuing the missing people, and has called for all regions to "resolutely overcome complacency" and strengthen efforts to identify risks. The government has allocated 100 million yuan for recovery efforts in Guangdong.
These extreme weather events highlight growing climate-related risks in China, according to meteorologists linking the increase in extreme rainfall to climate change. The broadcaster CCTV reported that due to the "frequent occurrence of extreme weather", Xi has ordered all regions to strengthen efforts to identify risks.
China, the world's biggest emitter, is also a global renewable energy powerhouse. The government has announced plans to make its massive economy carbon-neutral by 2060. Despite the challenges posed by extreme weather events, China remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change.
References:
[1] BBC News [2] Reuters [3] People's Daily
The heavy rains and extreme weather events in China have significantly impacted the general-news landscape, affecting millions and causing casualties in various provinces, including Beijing, Gansu, and Guangdong. Despite this, China remains focused on transitioning its economy towards carbon-neutrality by 2060, prioritizing renewable energy and combating climate change.
