A record drought in China’s Sichuan province caused massive power shortages, but now it’s flooding.
People’s Daily, published on the provincial government websitearticleMore than 119,000 people were evacuated due to heavy rains. Authorities issued heavy rain warnings for some cities and announced flood control measures. Additional emergency relief units were dispatched.
Heavy rains have created the risk of landslides and floods, but they are helping to keep temperatures down and reduce demand for air conditioners. It will also benefit reservoirs in regions that rely on hydropower. On the other hand, there is a risk that some economic activities will be hindered. Authorities have asked 324 mines to evacuate more than 5,000 workers as a safety measure. This includes 60 coal mines.
Farmland cracked by drought in Sichuan province, China, August 26.
Photographer: VCG/Getty Images
China’s Sichuan province recovers most of its industrial power supply after two weeks of curtailment
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Original title:
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">China’s Sichuan Pivots From Historic Drought to Flood Warnings(excerpt)