China floods: 12 dead in Zhengzhou train and thousands evacuated in Henan

Twelve people were killed as record-breaking rainfall flooded underground railway tunnels in China leaving passengers trapped as the water rose. Videos shared on various Chinese social media platforms showed evening commuters barely managing to keep their heads above water as the platforms became overwhelmed.

More than 500 people were eventually rescued in Zhengzhou, which is capital f China’s Henan province.

What’s the situation in Henan?

Several dams and reservoirs have reached and breached their normal warning levels, with soldiers being mobilised to divert rivers which have already burst their banks. Flights and trains in many parts of the province have also been suspended as the crisis unfolds.

In the cities themselves roads have turned into rivers with vehicles and the debris being swept dangerously along in the fast moving currents. So far there are at least 25 conformed deaths spread across more than 10 Chinese cities mostly in Henan province.

Paramount Chinese leader President Xi Jinping stated on Wednesday that there had been “significant loss of life and damage to property”.

How abnormal has the rainfall in Zhengzhou been?

To put things into context the capital of the province Zhengzhou has received rainfall in3 days that it would usually get in a whole year.

Due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall in such a short time the city’s flood defense systems were overwhelmed on Tuesday, which led to the railway tunnels flooding. Survivors have stated how the water began at their ankles before reaching their necks, with people standing on seats, or trying to climb as high as possible to survive.

Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter has been awash with stories and photos of peoples survival.

To check out Weibo click here .

What other major incidents have their been?

The whole of Zhengzhou has been particularly affected, with state media showing a rescue from a nursery school, as well as from hospitals and other government and private facilities.

Zhengzhou was not the only city to be affected with an estimated 12 cities of Henan province and beyond suffering damage of carrying degrees.

China floods – what is the cause?

Henan has experienced “rare and severe rainfall” since Saturday, according to China’s meteorological authority.

Zhengzhou saw 624mm of rainfall on Tuesday, with a third of that amount falling between the hours of 16:00 and 17:00, which according to an official “smashed historical records”.

To read about Prey Veng  province click here

As to what caused the Chinese floods? There are obviously numerous factors, but a warming atmosphere contributing to climate change increases the chances of freak heavy rainfall, and yet there are still climate change deniers.

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