Thousands Evacuated in North-West China After Heavy Rains, Flooding

More than 25,000 people have been evacuated from China's northwestern Shaanxi province in the last 24 hours due to severe flooding and heavy rains. Public broadcaster CCTV reported on August 6 that the downpours have led to collapsed roads and damaged bridges, as well as disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.

Footage shared by CCTV showed roads eroded by floodwaters and rescue workers transporting essential relief supplies, such as water and rice, on foot in Zhen'an County, located in Shangluo City. The area is expected to experience continued heavy rainfall, according to the broadcaster.

This latest round of evacuations adds to the significant displacement already seen in Shaanxi. Since July 30, CCTV reported that over 140,000 people have been evacuated from the province, citing local authorities.

The extreme weather in Shaanxi occurs as China prepares for Typhoon Dolphin, which is forecast to make landfall on the eastern coast between August 9 and 10, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to areas from Shanghai to Fujian. Authorities warn that after landfall, the typhoon could interact with cold air, leading to even heavier precipitation in northern China than along the coast.

Meanwhile, widespread high temperatures are affecting other parts of the country, with central and eastern regions expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The Turpan Basin in Xinjiang, located in the northwest, anticipates highs above 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Authorities are urging vigilance against landslides, floods, and other potential disasters across multiple provinces experiencing heavy to torrential rain.