China faces record floods in 2024, affecting millions

China experienced the highest number of floods in 2024 since recording natural disasters, impacting millions, according to state media.

China faces record floods, millions impacted

China recorded 26 major floods last year, the highest since 1998, when detailed statistics began, the Global Times reported. Southern Guangdong, Central Hunan, and Northeast Liaoning provinces suffered the most damage.

China’s Ministry of Emergency Management reported that despite the floods, production safety accidents declined by 11.2%, and casualties fell by 7.7% compared to previous years. In October 2024, over 84 million people were affected by natural disasters.

The floods led to 836 deaths and widespread displacement, with over 3.3 million people forced to relocate. Around 50,000 homes were destroyed, and approximately 630,000 were damaged.

Climate change worsened weather disruptions. The national average temperature in July 2024 was 23.2°C (73.76°F), the highest since 1961. Experts warn that 2024 will be the hottest year on record, with more extreme weather expected.

2024 hottest year, climate impacts

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed 2024 was the warmest year ever, with global temperatures surpassing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Climate Agreement for the first time. Carlo Buontempo, head of Copernicus, emphasised the climate is shifting dramatically, affecting agriculture and health systems. He also pointed out extreme heat is increasing heat-related mortality by 30% in Europe over the past 20 years.

Buontempo warned that new temperature records are expected in 2025, with the possibility of it matching or surpassing 2024’s high temperatures. “We will see new records,” he stated, “new hottest months, new hottest years ahead.”

Prepare for stronger heatwaves, floods

While predicting the timing of the next floods or heatwaves is impossible, Buontempo stressed the likelihood of more intense natural events due to rising temperatures and increased atmospheric water vapour. He pointed out that heatwaves will likely become longer and more intense, affecting more areas of the globe.

He warned that floods linked to heavy rainfall are likely to become more severe. As temperatures rise, more water vapour is released into the atmosphere, intensifying weather patterns like flooding.

Buontempo urged society to prepare for these extreme weather events, noting that changes in everyday habits and infrastructure will be necessary to adapt to a warmer climate. “This is a shift that the entire society needs to make,” he said. “From how we build homes to how we travel, everyone needs to adapt to this changing climate.”

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