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SCMP Editorial

The shocking images of China battling deadly floods in an all-out national effort are chilling reminders that no country is safe from the ravages of nature.
With some countries in the region also suffering from similar heartbreak, authorities around the world have been reminded to remain alert to growing threats arising from extreme weather and to be prepared as far as possible.
The deluge has wreaked havoc in Beijing and neighbouring provinces, killing dozens of people and affecting millions others.
The involvement of military personnel in defence and evacuation procedures following instructions from President Xi Jinping may, hopefully, bring the situation under control.


An additional injection of 350 million yuan (HK$381 million) was made on Sunday, raising disaster relief funds to some 520 million yuan so far.
Questions have again been raised as to whether the impact could have been reduced by various measures.
We do not know how many cities could have escaped unscathed from 1,000mm of rain in three days, the equivalent to two years of rain in the country’s northeast and the heaviest in the capital for 140 years. But conventional wisdom and hindsight conclude better preparation may have helped.
In an era where climate change is behind worsening storms and droughts, even the most advanced countries risk being caught unprepared.
460 Hong Kong scouts at world event in South Korea to evacuate over Typhoon Khanun
Although nothing may be done about the force of nature, emergency efforts in the face of disaster can be strengthened. That includes better coordination in rescue and relief measures for those suffering.
Calls to strengthen weather and hydrological monitoring should also be acted on to enhance preparedness.
Extreme rain has caused floods and landslides across some Asian countries, including India and Japan. The flooding on the mainland is part of the fallout from super typhoon Doksuri, which slashed across the southeast province of Fujian last week before battering the capital and neighbouring provinces.
Hong Kong was lucky to escape a direct hit, but remains vulnerable to typhoons as always because of its location. While the nature of extreme weather makes preparing for the unexpected difficult, failing to do so will only make things worse.


Chile declares catastrophe as wildfires spread and kill at least 18

Bodies of skiers killed in Austria avalanches to be recovered

Over 100 dead in torrential rains and floods across southern Africa

Avalanches in French Alps kill 6 skiers over the weekend

Extreme weather

Extra effort required in extreme weather

A man holding a child walks across a damaged bridge after the rains and floods brought by remnants of Typhoon Doksuri, in Zhuozhou, Hebei province, China August 7, 2023. Photo: Reuters

China sends in troops to fortify flood defences and evacuate residents as north reels from devastating floods

Authorities in the city of Shulan, Jilin province say their next task is to repair roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure and telecommunications stations damaged by heavy rain and floods. Photo: Xinhua via AP

Chinese public fear repeat abuse of flood relief funds after it emerges over US$1 billion in aid for 2021 was misused

Heavy flooding in the northeastern city of Harbin last week. Photo: Xinhua via AP

What can Beijing learn from the worst flooding in 140 years?

Weather experts have warned better systems are needed as extreme weather events such as the recent Beijing flooding are set to increase in number. Photo: Xinhua

A flooded river after Typhoon Doksuri brought extreme rainfall to Beijing. Photo: Reuters

Global warming to drive more extreme weather through multi-year La Ninas, climate scientists say

A new climate study suggests that our warmer world will strengthen the weather patterns the cause extreme weather. Photo: AP

Philippines forecasts heavy rains as Khanun turns into typhoon

A man pushes his pedicab through a flooded street of Manila as Khanun intensifies the southwest monsoon rain on Saturday. Photo: AFP

People wade through a flooded road, due to monsoon rains and the recent typhoon Doksuri, in Balagtas, Bulacan province, the Philippines, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

Opinion

Deadly flooding in China and other parts of Asia has shown there is need to be better prepared for the increasing force of nature


Deadly flooding in China and other parts of Asia has shown there is need to be better prepared for the increasing force of nature.


Natural disasters

Climate change

Environment

Weather

Accidents, extreme weather and disasters in China

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Extra effort required in extreme weather

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Deadly flooding in China and other parts of Asia has shown there is need to be better prepared for the increasing force of nature

Editorial | Extra effort required in extreme weather

Deadly flooding in China and other parts of Asia has shown there is need to be better prepared for the increasing force of nature