Heavy rains from the remnants of Typhoon Haikui, which struck southeastern China early Wednesday morning, have caused flash floods in several cities in Fujian province, prompting authorities to suspend subway services, close schools, and evacuate tens of thousands of residents. Meteorological officials reported that the rainfall in Fuzhou, the provincial capital, surpassed record levels from 12 years ago, triggering warnings that 49 reservoirs exceeded flood limits.
Authorities have evacuated over 36,000 people from their homes, damaging power and communication lines, and inundating approximately 10,366 acres of agricultural land, leading to losses estimated by the provincial state broadcaster at 552.1 million yuan (75 million dollars). Footage shared on social media showed floodwaters flowing through the streets of Fuzhou and the nearby city of Fuching, damaging motorcycles, trash bins, and stranded vehicles. Media reports revealed submerged cars, shops, and apartments, as well as landslides and mudslides.
The water level from the cumulative rainfall in Fuzhou yesterday surpassed half a meter. The city shut down subway lines and suspended train services, while schools remained closed for the second day. State-backed newspaper The Paper quoted provincial official Chen Yunong stating that floods hit many cities in Fujian, highlighting the vulnerability of urban drainage systems and other infrastructure facilities. Chen added that it is essential to address water saturation in both old cities and new urban areas.
Rainfall is expected to continue across central and southern parts of the province until Friday. Typhoon Haikui made landfall early Tuesday morning before losing strength and turning into a tropical storm.
