Chongqing Faces Devastating Floods Amid Rising Climate Change Concerns

Torrential rain in Chongqing, China, has caused mudslides and flooding, resulting in at least six fatalities. The extreme weather highlights questions about the efficacy of China's flood resilience programs. The downpour disrupted daily life, including transportation services, as the region encountered its heaviest rainfall on record.

Torrential rain in Chongqing, southwestern China, has led to mudslides and flooding, resulting in at least six deaths and significant disruptions, according to Chinese state media.

Southern, central, and eastern parts of China have been experiencing extreme rainfall this flood season, which began unusually early. Chongqing, a city with over 32 million residents, has been hit particularly hard since Wednesday, surpassing even Beijing in terms of population density.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that two individuals drowned while four others perished due to landslides and other flood-related incidents. Some areas saw floodwaters rise to two meters. Dianjiang county in Chongqing recorded its highest daily rainfall, measuring 254.6 millimeters from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.

The severe flooding questions the effectiveness of China's 2015 'sponge city' initiative, intended to enhance flood resilience through various infrastructural improvements.

A video posted by CCTV displayed dramatic scenes of floodwaters sweeping down streets, inundating residential areas, and showing rescuers aiding residents in chest-deep waters. The deluge also caused significant travel disruption, with Chongqing railway station suspending 26 passenger lines on Thursday.

China's weather bureau recently warned of more frequent and unpredictable heavy rainfall due to climate change, posing further challenges for managing extreme weather events. Government departments have allocated 4.17 billion yuan ($573.49 million) for disaster relief this year, according to a Reuters tally.

In response, China's top legislature last month passed a revised law aimed at improving the efficacy of emergency prevention and response mechanisms. ($1 = 7.2713 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(With inputs from agencies.)