Chinese region of Xinjiang warns of flood risk amid ongoing heatwave

The vast western region is on high alert as temperatures in some areas topped 40C (104F) increasing the risk from melting glaciers

Some meteorologists have blamed global warming for the heatwave, which is also threatening the region’s cotton industry

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Vast areas of Xinjiang are desert. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 8:29pm, 23 Jul 2022

Xinjiang region warned of more flash floods and mudslides and risks to agriculture as a heatwave swept across the region on Saturday, accelerating the pace of glacial melt and posing hazards for its vast cotton production.

China has been experiencing above-average summer temperatures, with some meteorologists blaming climate change.

The excessively hot weather has driven up demand for electricity to cool homes, offices and factories, while drought is a concern in agricultural regions.

Xinjiang’s recent heatwaves have been particularly long-lasting and widespread, Chen Chunyan, chief expert at the Xinjiang Meteorological Observatory, told state media.

She noted the extreme weather in the south and east of the Chinese region, more than twice the size of France, has already lasted for about 10 days.

Xinjiang’s meteorological bureau renewed its red alert for the region - the highest in a three-tier heat warning system - around midday on Saturday.