China suffers $7.6 billion in losses from natural disasters

Natural disasters in China during the first half of 2025 caused $7.55 billion in economic losses and affected more than 23 million people, with floods accounting for the majority of the damage, an official from the emergency response ministry said.

Major incidents included a powerful earthquake in Tibet, deadly landslides in southwestern provinces, and widespread flooding in southern regions.

The disasters led to 307 deaths or missing persons and forced the evacuation of 620,000 people from affected areas. Nearly 29,600 homes were destroyed—a 28.7% increase compared to last year—while 2.19 million hectares of crops were damaged. 

In response, China has expanded economic safety nets for those affected by floods, including direct compensation from the central government and payments for livestock losses. Experts link the rising frequency of extreme weather events to climate change, posing increasing risks to the country’s infrastructure and population.

Recent weeks saw torrential rains and extreme heat challenge aging flood defenses and exposed infrastructure gaps such as limited air conditioning access. Dozens of rivers in southwestern China exceeded safe levels last week while more than 10,000 people were evacuated in the remnants of former typhoon Danas.

Authorities warn that flood and typhoon prevention will remain difficult through mid-August, as intense rainfall and typhoon activity peak in northern and eastern regions.

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