Northern China Floods Claim 78 Lives as New Storm Looms
Northern China faces a crushing humanitarian disaster with floods from record-breaking rains killing at least 78 people. Authorities warn the nightmare isn’t over yet—another storm is barreling in.
Hebei Province Hit Hardest
Hebei province is in crisis, with the death toll soaring to 29, state media confirm. The region was battered just two weeks ago by Storm Doksuri, a vicious typhoon that unleashed the worst rainfall in 140 years. Rescue teams are racing against time to find those swept away, but looming storm Khanun threatens to worsen the chaos.
Hebei’s streets are still slick with mud, residents scramble to save their drenched belongings and repair shattered homes. Provincial party chief Ni Yuefeng visited the battered region, highlighting Hebei’s vital role in protecting Beijing from floodwaters. Despite emergency efforts, 16 people remain missing in the province.
Beijing and Neighbouring Provinces Also Suffer
The capital Beijing has seen at least 33 deaths, including two heroic rescue workers. Tragedy also struck Jilin province, where heavy rains killed over a dozen last week. Nearby Liaoning province reported multiple fatalities from the intense downpours in late July.
China on High Alert as Khanun Approaches
China keeps emergency alerts at maximum in the north, monitoring rivers to prevent further devastation. Yet, villagers in Hebei complain warnings were too late and inadequate. In response to the widespread damage, the Chinese government has pledged one billion yuan ($139 million) for aid covering agriculture, housing, and infrastructure repairs.
Nearly four million people in Hebei are affected, with thousands of homes destroyed and crops decimated. Beijing’s insurance companies face claims worth over 380 million yuan after the floods ravaged the region.
Rain Threat Spreads Across China
It’s not just the north at risk. Southwestern provinces Sichuan and Yunnan, along with northwestern Gansu and Qinghai, brace for heavy rain as the extreme weather pattern continues to batter China.
