China Faces $12.83 Billion in Losses from Natural Disasters in 2023's First Half

In the first half of 2023, China experienced significant financial losses totaling 93.16 billion yuan ($12.83 billion) due to natural disasters including flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures. Approximately 33 million people were affected, with 322 fatalities or missing persons. The severe weather events also resulted in substantial damage to homes and farmland.

Natural disasters such as flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures have cost China 93.16 billion yuan ($12.83 billion) in the first half of 2023, affecting almost 33 million people, the government reported on Friday. The country's various regions experienced heavy snow, 22 strong earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and flooding, all contributing to the financial burden.

The Ministry of Emergency Management revealed that the 32.38 million people impacted by these disasters included 322 who either died or went missing. Approximately 856,000 people required emergency resettlement, 23,000 homes were destroyed, and around 3.17 million hectares of crops were damaged. For perspective, last year saw 48.76 million people affected by disasters in the entire year, with 95 reported deaths or disappearances.

Comparing year-on-year data shows a worsening economic impact, with 38.23 billion yuan in losses recorded during the same period last year. This year's figures mark the largest first-half disaster-related loss since 2019. The Emergency Management Ministry's data indicates that China is experiencing more significant temperature swings and erratic precipitation due to climate change, severely affecting the nation's weather patterns.

(With inputs from agencies.)