China has issued a warning about the potential outbreak of crop and animal diseases as floodwaters recede in rural areas of the north. Meanwhile, some cities are struggling to restore drinking water supplies following the worst flooding in six decades, which has resulted in over 30 deaths.
Last week, Hebei province, which shares a border with Beijing, experienced more than a year’s worth of rainfall due to storms from Typhoon Doksuri. This has impacted autumn crops and damaged agricultural equipment.
As of August 8, the Beijing Daily newspaper reported that heavy floods in the capital have caused 33 deaths, with 18 people still missing.
During an inspection of affected areas on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian emphasized the need for local authorities to take measures to prevent and control major disease outbreaks caused by dead animals, pests, and insects.
Tang also emphasized the need to reduce waterlogging and drain floodwaters from planted fields in order to minimize crop losses. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that winter wheat planting remains unaffected.
The floods have had a severe impact on farms throughout Hebei, leading to the drowning of numerous pigs and sheep and the destruction of crops.
According to a statement on the ministry website, Tang stated, “Agricultural and rural departments at all levels should accurately assess the disaster situation of farmers, help the affected farmers solve practical difficulties, and prevent disaster-caused poverty or return to poverty.”
In the worst-hit city of Zhuozhou, Hebei, workers in hazmat suits are spraying disinfectant in built-up areas to prevent the spread of disease, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
Clean water supplies have been cut off in some rural areas, as well as in cities like Shijiazhuang, where water pipes and wells have been destroyed by the floods, affecting tens of thousands of people.
To address the situation, the water resources ministry has declared an emergency response to quickly restore drinking water supplies, including the establishment of supply points and the dispatch of water trucks.