Heavy floods submerge roads, sweep away vehicles in northern China

Northern China is grappling with severe flooding, as heavy rains have submerged roads and swept away vehicles in Hebei and Liaoning provinces. Social media videos depict a dramatic scene where residents are navigating neighborhood streets by swimming and paddle-boarding.

In Kuancheng county, Hebei province, water levels reportedly rose to over two meters on the roads, according to local official media. This area, home to approximately 240,000 people, is situated on the banks of the Luan River. Footage captured several cars colliding and being carried away by the strong currents on a waterlogged road.

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Water levels rose to more than two metres on roads in Kuancheng, according to a resident's account.

The current flooding follows the impact of Typhoon Bavi, which was the most powerful storm to hit mainland China this year. The typhoon brought torrential rain to coastal areas and strong winds to densely populated cities, testing the nation's resilience to extreme weather. Authorities had warned that the storm would dump heavy rain across several provinces, including Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui, intensifying flood risks in areas already saturated from previous rainfall.

Approximately 1,800 villagers in Kuancheng are reported to be stranded, with authorities prioritizing their relocation and resettlement. In Liaoning province, a red alert for flash floods has been issued, signaling very high risks. The Hebei authorities have mandated work stoppages, business closures, and the cancellation of gatherings during the red alert period. Further weather warnings indicate the possibility of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and even tornadoes in some northeastern regions.

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During a red alert for heavy rain, all work stoppages, business closures, and gatherings must be fully implemented.