Liaoning Flood Disaster: 11 Dead, 14 Missing After Severe Weather Hits China

Torrential rain has wreaked havoc on China’s northeastern province of Liaoning, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people and leaving 14 others missing. State broadcaster CCTV reported this grim update on Friday. The devastating floods are just one example of the extreme weather China has faced this summer, with intense storms and scorching heat waves making headlines nationwide.

As the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, China has been under scrutiny for its role in climate change, which experts believe is driving the increase in the frequency and intensity of these weather events. July was officially recorded as China’s hottest month in over six decades, a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental crisis.

In Liaoning, the relentless downpour brought transportation to a standstill and severely hampered rescue efforts. Authorities were forced to initiate large-scale evacuations, particularly in the coastal district of Huludao. The search for the missing continues in this hard-hit area.

“Huludao City, especially Jianchang County and Suizhong County, suffered significant damage from this heavy rainfall,” CCTV reported during a Friday night press conference. The floods have caused widespread destruction, affecting infrastructure, homes, farmland, and essential services.

“After thoroughly checking households and missing persons, we have confirmed that the disaster has claimed ten lives, with 14 people still missing,” the broadcaster added, also noting that one official lost their life while attempting to rescue others.

Over 50,000 residents of Huludao were evacuated as floodwaters rose, according to state media on Thursday. Heart-wrenching images shared by Xinhua on Friday show residents wading through flooded streets, helped by rescue workers clad in bright red uniforms. One compelling photo captures a young man carrying an elderly person away from a submerged building.

CCTV also provided more details on the extent of the disaster: “Preliminary statistics indicate that 188,757 people in Huludao City have been affected, with damages totalling 10.3 billion yuan ($1.45 billion).” The floods also destroyed 187 bridges and knocked out 40 regional power lines.

This disaster follows the aftermath of Typhoon Gaemi, which hit central China in late July, and record-breaking global temperatures during the same month. These events serve as sobering reminders of the ongoing climate crisis.

While China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060, its continued dependence on coal contrasts with its progress in renewable energy. The challenge remains balancing economic growth with the urgent need to address climate change.