Severe Flooding in Lanzhou's Yuzhong County Leaves 2,002 People Affected

On the evening of August 8, 2025, a press conference was held in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, to update the public on the latest developments regarding the mountain flood disaster in Yuzhong County. The event, caused by extreme rainfall, has left 2,002 people affected, with infrastructure across eight townships suffering extensive damage. This incident has become a major focus for rescue and recovery efforts across the region.

Record-Breaking Rainfall Sparks Catastrophic Flooding

The torrential rains began on August 7 at 6:00 PM, with the heaviest precipitation recorded in Xinglong Mountain, reaching an unprecedented 220.2 millimeters. Other areas in Yuzhong County also experienced significant rainfall, including 156.9 millimeters in Chengguan Town, 105.2 millimeters in Xiaokangying Township, and 79.3 millimeters in Longquan Township. This level of rainfall is considered a historical extreme, with no recorded precedent in the region.

The extreme weather conditions led to a catastrophic mountain flood, which has caused widespread destruction. Roads, power lines, and communication systems were severely damaged, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. In addition, several villages have been flooded, with crops submerged and homes destroyed.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts Underway

According to the press conference, efforts are being made to restore power and communication services in the affected areas, with a goal of completing these tasks by August 10. As of now, 9,828 people have been relocated and temporarily housed. Emergency teams are working around the clock to rescue those still trapped in the flood-affected zones.

Local authorities have confirmed that the flood has caused significant disruption to daily life, with 14 administrative villages having their roads blocked, affecting the normal water supply for over 24,000 people. The situation remains critical, with rescue operations ongoing.

Call for Caution and Preparedness

Experts have emphasized the importance of preparedness for future extreme weather events, as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of such disasters. The government has pledged to improve infrastructure and emergency response systems to better mitigate the impact of natural disasters in the future.

As the recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected residents. The situation in Yuzhong County serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the face of extreme weather and the need for resilience and preparedness.