Torrential Rain and Floods Devastate China's Hunan Province

Massive rain and floods associated with Typhoon Gaemi have led to significant destruction in Hunan, China. Authorities report four deaths, thousands evacuated, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Financial aid has been earmarked for disaster prevention and agricultural support. Additional governmental actions are planned to tackle these natural disasters.

Torrential rain and floods have resulted in four deaths and the evacuation of thousands of residents in China's southern Hunan province. The extreme weather was exacerbated by the remnants of Typhoon Gaemi, state media reported on Tuesday.

Days of intense rainfall have breached major dikes and dams, flooding large areas of cropland. The finance ministry has allocated 238 million yuan ($33 million) for disaster prevention and agricultural aid. Experts attribute the deluge to a combination of a southwest monsoon and Gaemi's outer cloud system, according to the state-backed Beijing News.

In Zixing county, nearly 90,000 people were impacted, with around 1,400 homes and 1,300 roads damaged. Power outages were reported in several villages. Record rainfall exceeding 645 mm (25.3 inches) was observed at one location since Friday, as per the People's Daily.

The Juanshui river also saw a surge, breaching three dikes, although one was quickly repaired. As the river feeds into the Xiangjiang, a major Yangtze River tributary, flood levels reached records in some areas, state media indicated.

A devastating landslide on Sunday, triggered by the rain, claimed 15 lives in Hunan. Heavy rains have also battered other provinces, leading them to issue warnings and activate emergency response plans.

The government convened last week to discuss broader measures for tackling natural disasters. China has already disbursed at least 6.9 billion yuan ($951 million) in disaster relief funds.

(With inputs from agencies.)