The aftermath of Typhoon Haikui has left a trail of devastation in southeastern China, with intense rainfall causing severe floods and forcing evacuations in the Fujian province. This unexpected deluge shattered 12-year-old precipitation records and posed a serious challenge to local authorities.
On September 6, the remnants of Typhoon Haikui battered southeastern China with relentless rain, bringing chaos to the region. Cities in Fujian province were forced to take drastic measures, including suspending subway services, closing schools, and evacuating tens of thousands of residents.
As per weather officials, Fuzhou, the provincial capital, experienced unprecedented rainfall, with some reports indicating up to 554 mm (1.8 feet) of cumulative rain on September 5 alone. An hourly record of close to 150 mm (0.5 ft) was reported, exceeding the volume brought by Typhoon Doksuri in late July. This earlier typhoon had caused devastating floods and losses amounting to $2 bn.
The impact of Typhoon Haikui extended beyond residential areas. Floodwaters surged through streets in Fuzhou and the nearby city of Fuqing, sweeping away motorcycles, trash bins, and stranding cars. Social media was flooded with images and videos depicting submerged vehicles, marooned shops, apartments in distress, and instances of landslides and mudslides.
The consequences of this deluge have been substantial. Over 36,000 people were evacuated from their homes, and critical infrastructure such as power and communication networks suffered damage. Furthermore, approximately 4,195 hectares (10,366 acres) of farmland were inundated, resulting in estimated losses of 552.1 mn yuan ($75 mn), as reported by the state broadcaster.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Fuzhou authorities made the difficult decision to close subway lines and suspend train services, while schools remained shut for a second consecutive day. The floodwaters have exposed the vulnerability of urban drainage and other infrastructure in many Fujian cities, prompting calls for immediate action.
Chen Yunong, a provincial official, emphasized the need to address waterlogging in both old and new urban areas.
"The floods have hit many cities in Fujian, exposing the fragility of urban drainage and other infrastructure," he stated.
As the situation unfolds, the provincial government has identified Putian and Quanzhou, among six other cities in Fujian, as at-risk areas susceptible to flash floods and landslides. Local authorities have been instructed to prepare for potential evacuations in these vulnerable regions.
The relentless rains are expected to persist until September 8 in central and southern parts of the province, where Typhoon Haikui initially made landfall before weakening and being downgraded to a tropical storm. The affected communities are now grappling with the immediate aftermath of the typhoon and the long road to recovery, which includes addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities to mitigate future disasters.
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