China expands flood relief, adds livestock compensation

China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.

In response to intensifying rainfall and increasing use of flood diversion zones, China has updated its economic relief policies to better support affected communities. The central government will now cover 70% of compensation costs—up from previously variable local contributions—while livestock and poultry losses will be included for the first time in aid packages.

This comes after public backlash during the 2023 Hebei floods, where nearly a million residents were displaced to protect Beijing. With 98 designated flood diversion zones across major rivers like the Yangtze, more farmland and homes are at risk as rainfall surges to record levels.

Guizhou province faced severe flooding this week, prompting Beijing to commit to relocating vulnerable communities and expanding diversion zones to cope with future disasters.

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