2021 Henan floods
China's Henan Province experienced flooding between 17 and 31 July 2021 as a result of heavy rainfall. On July 20, Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, recorded 201.9 millimetres (7.95 in) of rainfall within an hour, the highest ever figure recorded since measurements began in 1951. On 2 August 2021, provincial authorities reported 302 deaths (292 in Zhengzhou), and over 50 missing people. Later, government investigations led to conclude that provincial officials had “deliberately impeded and withheld reports of up to 139 cases”, and that the full death toll was 398. The floods caused the evacuation of 815,000 people, and affected 14.5 million people around the province. The intensity of the floods was believed to have been amplified by extreme weather caused by climate change.
Songshan Road in Zhengzhou, damaged by the floods. | |
Date | 17 July 2021 – 31 July 2021 |
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Location | Henan, China (most affected) Hebei, Shanxi and Hubei (partially affected) |
Deaths | 302—398 |
Property damage | Around 82 billion yuan (US$12.7 billion) |