Heavy rain in China's Chongqing threaten rivers, mass evacuations
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[July 14, 2023]
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chongqing, a sprawling municipality in
southwest China, issued heightened warnings for heavy rain in 24
districts and counties on Friday, according to state media, as downpours
pummel the area and numerous rivers threaten to overflow their banks.
Flash floods have ripped through parts of China over the past few
weeks, with Chongqing hit particularly hard. Last week, rain and
mudslides caused 15 deaths in the region.
More than 2,600 residents were evacuated early on Friday morning after
intense rain flooded streets and houses in Chongqing, Xinhua reported. |
![](../images/071423PIX/news_h17.jpg)
Vehicles are submerged in water due to flooding, in Wanzhou district,
Chongqing, China, in this still image from a social media video released
July 14, 2023. Video obtained by REUTERS |
The
unrelenting rains have displaced thousands in some parts of the
country. A few days ago, more than 40,000 had to be moved to
safety in Sichuan province.
State television video showed a waterfall of rain enveloping
cars and trucks in Chongqing, with rivers of thick brown mud
burying tractors and lorries on the streets.
The storms have been relentless in 28 districts and counties of
Chongqing since Thursday, with a record-breaking maximum daily
rainfall of 227 mm (8.9 inches) posted in Wanzhou district,
according to the local meteorological service, state media
reported.
Authorities in Chongqing issued red alerts for some parts of the
region. China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning
system for rain and geological disasters, with red representing
the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue.
Local officials also issued upgraded emergency response plans
and warned of flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, the ruling
Community party continued to stress flood prevention measures
throughout the country.
North China's Inner Mongolia region on Thursday night issued a
red alert, with intense rainstorms expected to hit central and
eastern parts of the area until Friday night, according to the
region's meteorological service and water resources authority,
Xinhua said.
(Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing
by Kim Coghill)
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