Risk of Dam Collapse in Henan Province, China... Flood Damage in 12 Cities

"Dams Can Collapse at Any Time"
94 Million People in Seongnae Exposed to Danger

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that 12 cities in Henan Province, central China, suffered flood damage due to heavy rain over three days, and the Yihetan Dam, which manages flood control in major cities within the province, is on the verge of collapse.

According to local Chinese media such as Xinhua News Agency on the 21st, Henan Province's meteorological authorities raised the flood response alert level to the highest, level 4, on the same day. It is reported that 12 cities in the province were flooded, and in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, an evacuation order was issued, with more than 200,000 residents evacuating.

Previously, more than 617mm of heavy rain fell over three days from the night of the 17th to the previous night in central areas of Henan Province, including Zhengzhou and Luoyang. This amount exceeds the total rainfall in Henan Province for the entire last year.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Henan Province's meteorological authorities stated that this is the largest rainfall in 60 years since 1951 based on hourly and single average standards. As a result, flooding damage such as road inundation occurred throughout Zhengzhou city, all train and subway lines have been suspended, and national and expressway traffic is also being controlled. It is reported that 12 residents died as floodwaters overwhelmed underground facilities.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The Yihetan Dam in Luoyang City, a major dam in Henan Province, is also at risk of collapse, putting approximately 94 million residents of Henan Province in great danger. The Chinese People's Liberation Army warned that a 20-meter-long crack has opened in the dam, and it could collapse at any time, urging residents to evacuate quickly.

In particular, Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, is home to more than 90 major listed companies in China, raising concerns that prolonged flood damage could have a significant impact on the Chinese economy.

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