Severe flooding triggered by Typhoon Bavi has inundated parts of northern China’s Hebei province and northeastern Liaoning province, submerging roads, sweeping away vehicles and leaving residents swimming, paddleboarding and even wake surfing through flooded streets, according to reports.
In Kuancheng county, Hebei, floodwaters rose to more than two metres on some roads, according to a resident interviewed by local state media. The county, home to about 240,000 people along the Luan River, saw several vehicles collide before being swept away by fast-moving floodwaters.
The flooding followed the passage of Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit mainland China this year. After battering the eastern coast with heavy rain and strong winds, the storm moved inland, raising concerns over worsening floods across Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, where saturated ground had already increased the risk of flooding.
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State broadcaster CCTV reported that around 1,800 villagers in Kuancheng were stranded, with authorities prioritising evacuation and resettlement efforts. Liaoning also issued its highest-level red alert for flash floods.
“During a red alert for heavy rain, all work stoppages, business closures, and gatherings must be fully implemented,” Hebei authorities said in a statement on WeChat.
China Railway suspended many train services in Shenyang on Monday, with more than 30 rail sections affected. Schools were also closed in several areas, including Jilin province.
China’s Central Meteorological Observatory warned that parts of northeastern China could experience thunderstorms or hail with Force 8 winds or stronger.
“In some areas of central and northern Jiangsu, thunderstorm winds of level 10 or above will occur, with maximum winds reaching force 11 or above, and tornadoes may occur locally,” it said.
Bavi, which spans an area roughly the size of France, formed over the Pacific Ocean 13 days ago. Although it weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in eastern China on Saturday night, meteorologists said its unusually well-preserved warm core has allowed it to retain significant moisture, making it the longest-lasting tropical cyclone in the Asia-Pacific region this year.
Forecasters expect intense rainfall to continue as the storm slows while moving toward the Korean Peninsula and releases its remaining moisture.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Water Resources, reported that 46 rivers across the country remain above flood warning levels.
Reuters
