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An aerial photo shows flooded buildings in Rongjiang, in China’s southwest Guizhou province on June 24. — AFP |
BEIJING/TOKYO – Two of Asia's major nations are currently grappling with significant natural disasters. Torrential and unseasonably heavy rainfall in China has led to widespread and severe flooding, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, while a series of earthquakes has struck Japan, causing considerable alarm among the public.
In southern and central regions of China, continuous downpours have overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems. Compounding the effects of the intense rainfall, concerns have been raised regarding the role of extensive dam construction in exacerbating the flooding. Critics point to the numerous large-scale water retention dams built across the country, suggesting that their presence has altered natural water flow patterns and reduced the land's ability to absorb excess water, thus contributing to the severity of the inundations.
Authorities have launched massive emergency responses as floodwaters inundated residential areas and agricultural land. Official reports indicate that tens of thousands of people have been moved to safer ground as a precautionary measure. Rescue teams are working around the clock in the worst-hit provinces to provide aid and prevent further loss of life and property. The disaster has ignited public debate about sustainable water management practices and the long-term environmental consequences of large-scale dam projects.
Meanwhile, Japan is on high alert after experiencing a recent "earthquake swarm," a sequence of seismic events striking a specific area in a short period. While the individual tremors have not been powerful enough to cause major widespread damage, their frequency and persistence have unsettled the nation, which is already prone to seismic activity. The Japan Meteorological Agency is closely monitoring the situation, and authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of a stronger quake. The series of tremors has revived anxieties and discussions around earthquake preparedness across the country.
