Full Breakdown
Severe Flooding Swamps Roads in Northern China After Typhoon Bavi
7/13/2026, 12:22:47 PM
Flooding After Typhoon Bavi
On July 13, 2026, torrential rains linked to Typhoon Bavi—China’s strongest storm of the year—caused water levels to exceed two metres on roads in Kuancheng County, Hebei Province, submerging streets and sweeping away vehicles. Similar conditions spread to Liaoning Province, where cars were seen bobbing on flooded thoroughfares and trains in Shenyang were suspended. State broadcaster CCTV reported that around 1,800 Kuancheng residents were stranded, prompting authorities to prioritize relocation and resettlement.
Meteorological Background
Typhoon Bavi first struck the eastern coast with heavy rain and violent winds, prompting warnings that additional rain would fall across Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui. The Central Meteorological Observatory warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms of Force 8 or higher, and in central and northern Jiangsu, winds of level 10 or above with possible tornadoes. Force 11 winds can reach speeds of up to 117 kph (73 mph).
Official Response and Alerts
Hebei officials issued a red-alert for flash floods, ordering “all work stoppages, business closures, and gatherings must be fully implemented.” The province raised the alert level on WeChat, while Liaoning authorities also elevated their flood warning. Across the nation, CCTV cited the Ministry of Water Resources as reporting that forty-six rivers were above warning levels.
On-the-Ground Impacts
Videos posted on Chinese social platform Xiaohongshu showed residents swimming and paddle-boarding through streets in Shenyang, with only the tops of parked cars visible above the water. Schools in Jilin and other affected provinces were closed, and more than 30 railway sections in the region were halted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During a red alert for heavy rain, all work stoppages, business closures, and gatherings must be fully implemented,” — Hebei authorities, WeChat statement
- “Force 11 winds can reach speeds of up to 117 kph (73 mph).” — CCTV report
- “In some areas of central and northern Jiangsu, thunderstorm winds of level 10 or above will occur, with maximum winds reaching force 11 or above, and tornadoes may occur locally,” — CCTV report
- “Forty-six rivers nationwide are experiencing flooding above warning levels, CCTV reported, citing China's Ministry of Water Resources.” — CCTV, citing China’s Ministry of Water Resources
