On August 26, 2024, Huludao City experienced its most severe flooding disaster in recent years. Days of continuous heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding, posing a significant threat to the lives and property of local residents.

The torrential rains in Huludao began in mid-August, with rainfall reaching record highs in a short period, overwhelming the local drainage system's capacity. Severe flooding occurred in multiple urban districts, submerging roads and disrupting transportation in some areas. The floods also caused river levels to rise sharply, with some levees nearing collapse.

Factors contributing to the worsening disaster situation:

Climate Anomalies: This summer, Huludao and surrounding areas experienced frequent extreme weather events due to global climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures amplified precipitation, leading to a significant increase in both the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall.

Complex geographical conditions: Huludao is situated at the junction of mountainous terrain and the coastline, where complex topography complicates drainage efforts. Rapidly flowing streams from the mountains converge into low-lying areas, making the city center particularly prone to water accumulation.

Infrastructure Shortcomings: Despite recent investments in urban drainage systems in Huludao, existing infrastructure proved inadequate in the face of such extreme weather. Aging drainage networks in older districts hindered water flow, resulting in particularly severe flooding issues.

Rescue and Response: Local authorities have activated emergency response protocols, mobilizing multiple agencies to conduct rescue operations. Fire departments, public security forces, and armed police units have been dispatched to evacuate residents and provide essential supplies. Concurrently, relevant departments are reinforcing embankments and coordinating the deployment of external resources to transport drainage equipment, striving to bring the disaster under control as swiftly as possible.

With forecasts indicating that rainfall will persist over the coming days, the government urges citizens to remain vigilant, stay updated on weather alerts, and avoid traveling to hazardous areas.

The recent flooding disaster in Huludao has once again sounded the alarm regarding preparedness for extreme weather events. Moving forward, it is imperative to further enhance the city's flood prevention and drainage capabilities to address increasingly frequent and severe climate challenges.