The catastrophe that struck the Haihe River Basin in North China recently is described as the worst flood since 1963. This calamity not only ravaged communities and displaced millions, but it also placed a spotlight on China’s current flood monitoring and forecasting abilities—or the lack thereof.
A Historic Deluge
Between July 28 and August 1, the Haihe River Basin was inundated with unparalleled levels of flooding. Out of the 22 rivers that witnessed floods surpassing warning levels, eight of them reported the largest floods ever recorded. As a result, 61 lives were tragically lost, with millions more affected, left to grapple with the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
However, as of recent updates, there seems to be a silver lining. Water levels in flood storage and retention areas are receding, signaling a return to normalcy. Residents, too, are beginning to pick up the pieces of their lives and homes.
Reservoirs: The Unsung Heroes
Despite the scale of the disaster, it could have been much worse. Reservoirs in the region were the primary defense against the floods. As Liu Weiping, the Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), pointed out, 84 significant reservoirs were operationalized to contain a staggering 2.85 billion cubic meters of floodwater. This impressive intervention played a pivotal role in safeguarding the region, preventing over 500,000 hectares of farmland across 24 townships from being submerged. Had it not been for these reservoirs, an additional 4.6 million people would have been left with no choice but to evacuate.
The Gap in China’s Flood Defense System
Despite the monumental efforts in managing the floodwaters, this disaster has underscored the vulnerabilities in the nation’s flood control infrastructure. The Haihe River Basin, encompassing a vast area of 320,600 square kilometers, is North China’s primary water system. Yet, the floods revealed a multitude of loopholes in the country’s disaster preparedness.
Zhang Xiangwei, a top MWR official, candidly expressed concerns regarding China’s flood monitoring and forecasting capabilities. Some issues include an insufficient storage capacity in several rivers and a lag in the development of stagnant flood storage facilities. More concerning are the inadequacies in flood entry and exit mechanisms.
These shortcomings become even more pronounced when dealing with smaller river floods. Ma Jun, the head of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, emphasized that the forecast systems for such floods must be improved, both meteorologically and hydrologically. Furthermore, Ma pointed out that network disruptions at some monitoring stations have compromised flood predictions, further highlighting the importance of a robust communication infrastructure.
Paving the Way Forward
Recognizing these vulnerabilities, MWR is gearing up to amplify the integrated management of the Haihe River Basin. Collaborations with relevant departments and local bodies are being prioritized. Ma also shed light on the larger issue of climate change, urging a comprehensive reevaluation of risks linked to meteorological disasters like torrential rains and flash floods. Such evaluations would help in crafting more responsive urban plans.
In the wake of this disaster, the MWR has intensified its technical guidance and boosted support for reconstruction. A commendable 26 specialized teams have been dispatched, each equipped to provide crucial guidance on flood prevention and risk management.
China’s Ministry of Finance has also stepped up, allocating a significant 1.15 billion yuan ($157.35 million) to expedite the repair of water conservation structures in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. Another 1.5 billion yuan is earmarked for compensations in flood storage areas, ensuring a faster recovery for affected communities.
Post-Disaster Efforts and Future Preparedness
Media reports highlight the organized post-disaster reconstruction efforts. For instance, the Beijing’s Mentougou district is fast-tracking the cleaning of the Yongding River, while 16 expert teams are analyzing potential geological threats in the district. Meanwhile, in Hebei, grassroots leaders and agricultural experts are guiding farmers towards post-disaster recovery. Technological innovations, like the 12 robotic vehicles deployed in Zhuozhou, are aiding in cleanup operations.
However, it’s essential to remember that the flood season hasn’t passed. More challenges lie ahead, with the threat of intense floods and droughts looming large. Recognizing this, Liu reiterates the ministry’s commitment to amplifying prevention measures, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
In conclusion, the Haihe River Basin floods serve as a stark reminder of nature’s fury and the imperativeness of preparedness. As China rebuilds, it also retraces its steps, reassesses its strategies, and revamps its response systems, ensuring a safer and more resilient future.
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