Tropical Storm Danas Brings Flash Floods and Landslides to China Amid Heatwaves

Strategic Insights -

Tropical storm Danas made landfall on China's eastern coast, triggering flash floods and landslides in provinces such as Zhejiang and Fujian. The storm brought heavy rains and strong winds, prompting authorities to shut schools, cancel ferry services, and warn residents to stay indoors. As Danas moved inland, it continued to pose a threat to southern China, with forecasters warning of widespread flooding. Meanwhile, China is also experiencing severe heatwaves in the north, with temperatures reaching near-record highs in cities like Shanghai and Wuhan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Danas, downgraded from a typhoon, brought heavy rains and strong winds to China's eastern coast, causing flash floods and landslides in provinces such as Zhejiang and Fujian.
  • The storm prompted authorities to shut schools, cancel over 100 ferry services, and warn residents along the southern coast to stay indoors.
  • Residents in Sichuan province's city of Yibin were evacuated after 14 hours of rainfall, with over 6,000 people displaced.
  • Emergency teams relocated over 300 people in Gyirong, near the Himalayan foothills in Tibet, after a river burst its banks.
  • Conditions in northern China were similarly precarious, with emergency flood protocols activated in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, after overnight rainfall exceeded 100mm.
  • Deadly monsoon-related events have devastated South Asia, with India recording at least 45 deaths due to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.
  • Severe flooding is an increasingly frequent feature of the Asian monsoon season, intensified by the climate crisis, which experts warn is causing rainfall events to become more intense and unpredictable.
  • Northeastern regions of China continue to suffer extreme heat, with residents urged to stay indoors and remain hydrated amid reports of heatstroke-related fatalities.

Statistics:

  • Danas carried winds of around 80kmph at its centre.
  • Some areas in Zhejiang and Fujian could get up to 300mm of rain, increasing the risk of flash floods.
  • Over 6,000 residents were evacuated in Yibin, Sichuan province, after 14 hours of rainfall.
  • Over 300 people were relocated in Gyirong, Tibet, after a river burst its banks.
  • Overnight rainfall in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, exceeded 100mm.
  • India has recorded at least 45 deaths due to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • State broadcaster CCTV
  • The Lancet