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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Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
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An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
As the world marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, progress in combating global climate change is mixed.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
Indonesia's military stepped up its relief efforts in three provinces on Sumatra island that have been devastated by deadly floods and landslides, and the country's vice president apologised for shortcomings in the response to last week's disaster.
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The death toll from devastating floods across Southeast Asia climbed to at least 183 people on Friday (28 November). Authorities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka struggle to rescue stranded residents, restore power and communications, and deliver aid to cut-off communities.
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