China on higher alert as floods hit – and climate change promises more extreme weather
- Millions have been affected by heavy downpours in the last few weeks, particularly in the south of the country
- Environmentalists say these events could become the new normal
The flood alarm in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River was raised from level four to three on Saturday, with authorities warning of further downpours, Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily reported on its social media account.
The Ministry of Emergency Management said that as of last Sunday, more than 12 million people from 13 provinces had been affected by heavy rain since early June, with at least 78 people dead or missing and 729,000 residents forced to flee their homes. Economic losses were estimated at 25.7 billion yuan (US$3.63 billion), the ministry said.
And more is thought to be on the way, according to weather forecasters.
The rain is expected to affect summer crops in an agricultural sector still trying to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.