Storm in China: At least 33 dead in floods

The death toll in the severe floods in central China’s Henan Province has risen to at least 33. 376,000 people were evacuated, eight are missing.

According to the latest information, more than 30 people were killed in the severe floods in the central Chinese province of Henan. The state television broadcaster CCTV reported that the number of deaths rose to at least 33. Eight people are still missing.

Twelve people were killed in a flooded subway in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou. The passengers had been surprised by the masses of water in the middle of the evening rush hour. Videos of desperate inmates with water up to their chests have been posted on the Internet.

Government announces emergency aid

According to CCTV, 376,000 residents of the region had to be brought to safety from the floods. The property damage is estimated at around 160 million euros. More than 200,000 hectares of land have been flooded. The government announced emergency aid amounting to 13 million euros for Henan Province.

In China there are floods every year. According to experts, climate change is increasingly leading to extreme storms in China as well. According to the authorities, the rains in Zhengzhou are the heaviest since records began around 60 years ago. Within three days, as much rain fell over the city as it normally would in a whole year.