Flash floods in south-west and north-west China have left at least 12 people dead and forced thousands to evacuate, state media reports. The extreme weather comes as parts of the country endure a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar above 40°C.
In Sichuan province, six people have died and another 12 are missing after torrential rain triggered flash floods, according to state-owned outlet CGTN. Approximately 1,300 residents had been evacuated by Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Longnan city, Gansu province, six further deaths were reported and 3,000 people were evacuated. The state broadcaster CCTV said rainfall over 1.5 days reached 98.9mm in the worst-affected areas, almost double the July average.
The rains follow a heatwave affecting eastern provinces such as Zhejiang and Shanghai, where temperatures hit 42°C last week. The state weather forecaster expects the heat to return this week, lasting through to late August, with temperatures of 39-42°C forecast from 20 July in southern regions.
Experts attribute such extreme events to climate change, noting that warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. The flooding adds to economic strains from strict Covid-19 measures. Globally, wildfires and heatwaves are affecting Europe, the UK, Germany, and the southern US.
