Flash floods in south-west and north-west China have left at least 12 people dead and thousands evacuated, state media reported. In Sichuan province, six deaths were confirmed and 12 people remain missing after torrential rain triggered flash floods, according to CGTN. About 1,300 residents were evacuated as of Saturday.
In Longnan city, Gansu province, another six deaths were reported and 3,000 people evacuated, CCTV said. Rainfall in the worst-affected areas reached 98.9mm over 1.5 days, nearly double the July average.
The floods come as parts of China, including Zhejiang province and Shanghai, endure a heatwave with temperatures up to 42°C. The state weather forecaster warned that heatwaves are expected to return this week, lasting through late August, with temperatures of 39-42°C forecast for southern regions after July 20. The sweltering heat is predicted to last for an extended period of 40 days.
Experts attribute such extreme weather to climate change, noting that warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. The flooding adds to economic challenges from strict zero-Covid measures that have restricted travel and disrupted supply chains.
