Heavy Rain in China Following Western Europe... 'Abnormal Climate Worldwide'

On the 17th (local time), vehicles were submerged in water on a highway in Erftstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] While severe flooding and heavy rain have caused massive damage in Western Europe, heavy rain in China has also delayed and canceled flights and train services.

According to foreign media such as BBC on the 17th (local time), flood victims in Western Europe have begun large-scale recovery efforts, but since the death toll exceeds 180, the recovery is expected to be difficult.

In particular, in Bad Neuenahr, a spa town in Ahrweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate, the area most severely affected in Germany, all buildings were swept away by water, and electricity, gas, and communications are still cut off, causing setbacks in recovery. Michael Lang, who runs a wine shop there, told reporters, "Everything is destroyed," adding, "It's a situation you wouldn't believe unless you see it with your own eyes."

In Rhineland-Palatinate, at least 670 people were injured and 110 lost their lives due to the floods. The total death toll in Germany is currently counted at 156, with 70% of those deaths occurring in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Foreign media estimate that billions of euros will be spent on flood recovery in Germany alone. The German insurance industry expects that the payout for natural disaster compensation this year will exceed 9.3 billion euros (approximately 12.5 trillion KRW), a record set in 2013, according to foreign reports. During the worst flood in August 2002, the insured damage amounted to 4.5 billion euros (approximately 6.06 trillion KRW). Since only about 45% of buildings are insured against heavy rain and floods, the actual damage is expected to be greater.

At least 27 people died in Belgium due to flooding. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo declared the 20th a national day of mourning. Belgium has deployed soldiers to four of its ten provinces to conduct rescue operations. Switzerland and the Netherlands also suffered significant damage from the floods.

Meanwhile, heavy rain in Beijing, the capital of China, caused delays and cancellations of flights and train services.

According to internet media such as Pengpai on the day, China's meteorological authorities issued an orange alert for Beijing in the morning, warning of expected damage due to heavy rain that began the previous day. China’s meteorological warnings have four levels, with orange being the second highest below the red alert, followed by yellow and blue.

Currently, some areas of Beijing have accumulated rainfall exceeding 150 mm, and meteorological authorities expect some areas to receive more than 200 mm of rain.

Local media reported that due to the heavy rain, more than 175 flights were canceled each at Beijing Capital Airport and Daxing Airport in the morning alone. Some trains traveling to and from Beijing and surrounding areas also stopped operating.

China’s meteorological authorities warned residents to be cautious of expected heavy rain and flood damage. Earlier, on the 12th, an orange alert was also issued for Beijing and Hebei regions, leading to the closure of elementary, middle, and high schools, and some office workers worked from home.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.