Urban floods leave China, Japan and Cambodia crippled

As the monsoon wreaks havoc in India, with cities being submerged and rainfall seemingly unrelenting, it becomes evident that the impact of heavy rain is not limited to a single region.

China, Japan, and Cambodia are also grappling with similar conditions, as social media becomes inundated with visuals depicting houses and vehicles being swept away, bridges collapsing, and urban streets transformed into waterways.

15 killed in China

Southwest China, particularly Chongqing and Sichuan provinces, has been ravaged by torrential rains that have claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals, with many still missing. Red alert warnings have been issued in four counties of Chongqing as the floods wreak havoc. Videos showcase dramatic rescue operations and efforts to clear waterlogged streets.

In neighboring Sichuan, over 460,000 residents have been affected, and more than 85,000 people have been displaced.

The magnitude of the situation becomes apparent when witnessing the water discharge from the Xiaolangdi Reservoir on the Yellow River in Henan.

These floods are part of a larger pattern of extreme and unpredictable weather events, not only in China but throughout the entire region. Experts attribute these phenomena to the impact of the climate crisis.

Mawar-induced floods pound Japan

Heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Mawar have battered Japan's main archipelago, causing disruptions, floods, and mudslides in central and western regions. Over 1.27 million people in vulnerable areas were warned of potential flooding and mudslides and advised to seek shelter in evacuation centers.

Swollen rivers, flooded roads, and reports of individuals being swept away have been documented. Train services were suspended, flights canceled, and power outages affected thousands of homes.

Visuals from urban settlements in the Fukuoka prefecture depict flooding at various locations. Although several thousand people have been evacuated, rescuing those who remain stranded poses significant challenges. Over 350,000 people are set to be evacuated from the flood-hit areas.

 

Flash floods in the Cambodian capital

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has experienced the most intense rainfall in the past three years, resulting in flash floods that have submerged several streets and roads. Approximately 14 districts in the city have been affected, prompting authorities to deploy water pumps to alleviate the situation.

Videos portray locals wading through flooded areas, with shops impacted and roads becoming impassable to vehicles. Vehicles floating amidst debris-laden water have been observed.

A video showcases children playing in water-logged streets where clogged drains have contributed to the situation.

A pertinent question

These visuals have given rise to a pertinent question: Why are floods becoming increasingly severe?

The increased instances of rainfall, surpassing normal precipitation levels, can be attributed to several factors.

• Climate change stands out as a significant issue that alters weather patterns worldwide. Rising temperatures due to climate change cause more water to evaporate into the air, resulting in increased moisture. This heightened moisture content in the air can lead to heavy rainstorms when conditions align.

• Climate change can also impact atmospheric air movement, intensifying or weakening phenomena such as monsoons and storms. These changes increase the likelihood of heavy rainfall and more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events.

Urban flooding: A consequence of city development

Urban floods occur when cities experience heavy rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems unable to handle the excess water. With extensive road networks and impervious surfaces like buildings, water cannot infiltrate the ground, leading to surface accumulation and subsequent flooding. Synthetic trash and waste exacerbate the issue by obstructing water pathways.

Most notably, indiscriminate urbanization has resulted in infrastructure construction in flood plains and encroachment on ponds and lakes. These structures hinder the natural seepage of excess water into the ground and impede the river's capacity to accommodate rising water levels.