Beijing: China has suffered massive economic and human losses due to a string of devastating natural disasters in the first half of 2025, according to an official report released by the Ministry of Emergency Management on Tuesday.
From January to June, natural calamities including floods, landslides, hailstorms, and extreme drought swept across the nation, leaving 307 people dead or missing and resulting in direct economic losses exceeding ¥54.11 billion (approximately USD $7.6 billion). The report notes that over 2.18 million hectares of farmland were damaged, amplifying concerns over food security and rural livelihoods.
The southern provinces bore the brunt of torrential rains and flash floods, with rivers breaching danger levels and sweeping away homes, infrastructure, and farmlands. Meanwhile, parts of the northwest experienced intense droughts that parched crops and triggered water shortages. The Yangtze River basin, historically prone to flooding, saw multiple high-alert weather warnings issued in early summer.
Authorities are scrambling to manage the aftermath, with emergency funds allocated for rescue operations, housing relocation, and the repair of critical infrastructure. Relief teams have been deployed to rebuild roads, power lines, and water supplies in the worst-hit areas.
These events come amid growing fears over the intensifying impact of climate change. Meteorologists and disaster experts have warned that extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent and severe, with urbanization and environmental degradation further amplifying vulnerability.
While the Chinese government has pledged to enhance climate resilience through flood control infrastructure and early warning systems, critics argue that more must be done at the local level to mitigate future disaster risks and to protect at-risk communities.
This half-year toll marks one of the costliest and deadliest disaster periods in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for stronger climate adaptation strategies as China continues to navigate the dual challenges of economic development and environmental vulnerability.