On October 22, during a press conference held by China’s Ministry of Emergency Management, spokesperson Shen Zhanli provided an overview of the country’s natural disaster impact for the first three quarters of 2024. According to Shen, the economic losses directly attributable to various natural disasters reached an impressive 323.2 billion yuan (approximately $45.2 billion).

Shen noted that the predominant natural disasters during this period included floods, geological events, storms, typhoons, and extreme low temperatures, along with snow-related incidents. He also mentioned that droughts, earthquakes, sandstorms, and wildfires occurred with varying degrees among different regions. In total, approximately 84.1 million people were affected to some degree, with 836 reported deaths or disappearances attributed to these disasters. The crisis also necessitated the emergency relocation of about 3.3 million individuals, led to the collapse of 50,000 homes, and damaged 630,000 others. Agricultural losses were significant, with an impacted area of around 9.05 million hectares.

Shen highlighted the pronounced disparities in the timing and geographic distribution of these disasters, indicating a trend of heavier impacts in southern China compared to the north. He observed that the most severe damage occurred during the critical flood prevention period from late July to early August, which accounted for 38% of the fatalities and 32% of the overall economic losses in the first three quarters.

The report noted that nationwide rainfall averaged 633.3 millimeters, which is 10.5% more than the historical average for the same period. China experienced 36 regional rainstorm events, resulting in prolonged and overlapping downpours that triggered floods and geological disasters. The super typhoon “Mokha,” which struck in early September, marked the most powerful autumn typhoon to make landfall in China since meteorological records began. It affected approximately 2.73 million individuals across the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan, leading to four fatalities and the emergency relocation of nearly 459,000 people.

In addition, the country has been experiencing alternating phases of drought in both southern and northern regions. Since August, high temperatures and scarce rainfall have intensified drought conditions in places like Sichuan, Chongqing, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, impacting 4.76 million individuals and damaging crops across 335,200 hectares as of the end of September.

As autumn and winter approach, Shen urged vigilance against forest and grassland fires, cautioning that certain regions still face elevated risks from storms, floods, and geological hazards. He emphasized the importance of ongoing disaster prevention and mitigation efforts to safeguard public lives and property.