Floods in northeast China

Northeast China is experiencing its biggest floods in five decades this year due to continuous heavy rain along the region's major rivers. Rainfall along the Songhua River since June has been recorded as approximately 40 percent more than the average for the same period in previous years.

Water levels in the Nenjiang River in the city of Qiqihar are above the danger mark, while flooding has cut the only road into Qiqihar's Daxing Town. Over a thousand residents of Daxing have been evacuated. The water level in the Yueliangpao Reservoir in Da'an city has hit a record high of 1.49 metres above normal levels. The part of Heixiaxi Island belonging to China in Heilongjiang province has been submerged due to continuous downpours, with about 90 percent under water on Sunday. The water level in Nierji Water Complex, the biggest hydro project in the main stream of the Nenjiang River, has passed its warning level, according to the report.

By 16 August, rain-triggered flooding had destroyed many roads and power facilities, affected more than 2 million people in the provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin as well as the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Over 1.07 million hectares of crops and plants have been ruined, which has resulted in direct economic losses of 6.6 billion yuan ($1.08 billion), according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

Water levels in Nenjiang, Songhua and Heilongjiang Rivers have risen to their warning levels. Weather forecasters say flooding in these areas is likely to continue until mid to late August. Local residents have been warned to take precautions in the coming days. Local authorities have been urged to reinforce a number of river embankments.