Torrential rains leave widespread destruction

However, flooding has proven to be by far the worst calamity. By 12 July 2004, 33,109,000 people have been affected by floods, which claimed 296 lives and left 12,102 injured. 1,847,800 hectares of crops had been affected, of which 235,300 hectares were destroyed. 131,400 housing units have collapsed and 487,000 were damaged.

The situation is expected to worsen as heavy rains are forecast in areas from south-western to north-eastern parts of China.

Henan Province (Central China): Between 17 and 18 July 2004 torrential rains lashed areas between the Yellow and Huaihe rivers, resulting in massive flooding of the Shaying and Hongru rivers, two tributaries of the Huaihe River. To ensure the safety of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and cities in the lower reaches, Henan Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters decided to open barrage gates to divert floodwater. 7,700 local residents had to be evacuated from low-lying farmland when the floodwaters were diverted. More than 89,000 flood relief workers and troops have been deployed to fight against the floods in the worst hit areas.

Hunan Province (Central China): Several days of heavy rainfall has caused massive flooding along major rivers and in some areas the rains caused mud-rock flows and landslides. Large areas of fertile land have been engulfed. Under the direction of the local authorities, more than 200 thousand soldiers and local people are struggling against the torrents. According to the Xinhua news agency 1.3 million people have been affected and 1,043 people have been injured or fallen ill as a direct result of the floods. A total of 52,000 have been relocated in the most critically affected areas.

Shandong Province (Eastern China): 17 – 18 July 2004, Yinan county suffered from torrential rainstorms. According to the statistics, 14,000 people in 26 villages were affected, with 6,621 houses and 2,600 hectares of farmland destroyed. According to the Xinhua news agency, five people were injured after a tornado and accompanying rainstorm struck, leaving more than 1,200 houses totally destroyed.

Shanxi Province (Northwestern China): Fufeng County - two people died, 160 building units collapsed and 2,500 acres of farmland were destroyed in a devastating storm on 14 July. Shanxi Province has started a Disaster Alarm System to deal with any further threats from bad weather forecast for the following days.

Sichuan Province (Southwestern China) : Sichuan Province has encountered heavy and torrential rains since 27 June this year. According to preliminary estimates at least 15 people have died and seven are missing. The continuous and torrential rains have caused massive flooding and landslides. Damage to life, property and agriculture is extensive. One of the most serious disasters happened in Xingwen County, Yibin City where a hill-landslide hit a village in Shuanglong Town.

Yunnan Province (Southwestern China) – near the border with Myanmar: There have been continuous rainstorms in Yunnan Nujiang Lishu Minority Autonomous Prefecture since 1 July causing widespread destruction along the Nujiang River. Five people have died and 11 are missing in the floods and mudslides. Further storms are forecast for the area.

Anhui Province (Eastern China) : According to the Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters of Anhui Province, there have been torrential rains in the Wohe, Shayin and Honghe river-valleys. The levels of the three rivers are rising rapidly and northern areas of Anhui Province have been inundated by flood waters.

Guizhou Province (Southwestern China): According to the China Broadcasting Network, Guizhou Province has experienced heavy rains in the central and eastern areas resulting in economic losses of around 26 million yuan. 215,900 people have suffered loss of dwellings and agricultural land due to mountain torrents and landslides.

ACT Member Amity Foundation is assessing the situation and planning to send a proposal for emergency assistance for some of the affected provinces.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org). Thank you.