BEIJING, July 16 (Reuters) – In an unprecedented weather event, Dafengying, a small town in China’s Henan province, experienced nearly a year’s worth of rainfall within a single day. This dramatic shift in weather patterns comes as the extreme storms that have battered southern China this summer move northwards.
By 8 a.m. on Tuesday (0000 GMT), Dafengying had recorded 606.7mm (24 inches) of rain in just 24 hours, according to national weather forecasters. This deluge is staggering, given that the area typically receives around 800mm of rain annually.
Dafengying, located within the city limits of Nanyang, is usually known for its mild and temperate climate. However, in response to the unprecedented rainfall, authorities in Henan have implemented the most severe flood control measures for the city.
This year’s weather has been extreme across China. From April to June, record rainfall pounded the southern regions, while the north experienced drought-like conditions that parched fields and threatened crops. As summer progresses, the seasonal rain belt has moved north, drenching provinces that were suffering from dry weather just weeks ago.
Forecasts indicate that the area where Henan, Shandong, and Anhui provinces converge will experience particularly heavy rainfall through late Tuesday. In response to these forecasts, Beijing shut down several train lines in suburban areas early Tuesday, following an early warning for thunderstorms and flash floods.
Authorities in the northern region have been on high alert for heavy rains since late Monday, implementing measures to mitigate the impact. In Gansu province, Kang county issued a red alert for rain, warning of potential mountain torrents and urban flooding.
Adding to the challenges, floodwaters have surged along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China’s longest river. This resurgence has pushed the river’s drainage basin into a critical period of flood control. According to Xinhua, authorities are closely monitoring and adjusting water discharge from the Three Gorges Dam to alleviate flood control pressures in Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and other provinces downstream.
As China grapples with these extreme weather events, the focus remains on managing the immediate impact and preparing for potential future challenges.
