Thousands of rescue workers have been deployed to Zhuozhou, a city southwest of Beijing, as the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri continue to inflict havoc on areas twice the size of Paris. Zhuozhou, with a population exceeding 600,000, is enduring some of the worst flooding in China’s northern region in over a decade.
Zhuozhou is situated in Hebei province, the epicentre of the severe storms that have claimed at least 20 lives. The city, neighbouring Beijing, experienced record rainfall levels, the highest in 140 years, from Saturday to Wednesday. Hebei officials have declared a state of emergency due to the devastating downpours averaging 355 mm since Saturday.
The flooding has disrupted the lives of over 134,000 residents of Zhuozhou, necessitating the evacuation of more than a sixth of the city’s population. Positioned at the junction of several rivers, Zhuozhou is bearing the brunt of the floodwaters moving downstream, inundating areas greater than twice the size of Paris and impacting almost 650 hectares of farmland.
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Criticism and Widespread Damage
The local public security bureau reports indicate water and power shortages, calling for the urgent need for rafts, life jackets, and other emergency provisions. Floodwater levels reportedly reached up to four meters in some parts of the city. Approximately 9,000 rescuers have responded, with additional teams from Henan and Shanxi provinces en route.
Frustration has emerged among the city’s residents over the perceived delay in rescue efforts. Many have expressed their discontent on social media platforms, particularly noting the floodwaters being channelled from Beijing to Zhuozhou without accompanying rescue support or equipment.
Floodwaters have not spared the city’s warehouses, disrupting Zhuozhou’s logistical capabilities. Hebei authorities have opened a flood diversion area in the Yongding River to alleviate flooding. However, the effects of flooding continue to be felt, with an online bookstore reporting staff stranded in a flooded warehouse housing over four million books.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Doksuri’s reach has extended to Japan, impacting the southwestern Okinawa prefecture and potentially heading towards Japan’s third largest island, Kyushu.
