Zhengzhou Suffers Severe Flooding, Disrupting Education and Business

Zhengzhou Grapples with Severe Flooding, Echoes of 2021 ‘720’ Disaster

Zhengzhou, China – Heavy rainfall has triggered important flooding in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, prompting concerns of a repeat of the devastating 2021 floods known as the “720” disaster. Residents report widespread water accumulation, with some areas experiencing depths reaching up to 40cm, and even submerging vehicles.

The current downpour follows a period of extreme high temperatures across China,with 150 high-temperature red warnings issued on August 5th alone. Henan Province had been suffering from prolonged drought conditions prior to the sudden shift to torrential rain.

“It happened to be back yesterday (August 6th). Today, Zhengzhou has been raining heavily so far, and it has been falling. Many places have severe water accumulation, which is similar to that of 720 that year,” stated a local resident, Chen An. He warned that if reservoirs are forced to discharge floodwaters, the situation could mirror the scale of the 2021 disaster.

The “720” floods,which ravaged Henan Province between July 17th and 23rd,2021,impacted over 10 million people across 150 counties,with Zhengzhou bearing the brunt of the devastation.

Another resident of Zhengzhou’s Zhongyuan District explained the varying impact of the flooding based on the city’s topography. “Zhengzhou’s terrain is high in the west and low in the east… the west is generally not easy to flood,but if the road is low,it will only have more than 20 cm of puddles.” however, eastward-sloping areas are experiencing far more severe inundation, with water levels reaching as high as 40cm or even threatening to submerge car roofs.

The rainfall reportedly intensified throughout the day, starting with moderate showers around 5:00 AM, escalating to heavy rain by 9:00 AM, and finally easing off after 4:30 PM.Evergreen Insights: China’s Increasing Climate Vulnerability

This latest flooding event underscores China’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events, a trend increasingly linked to climate change.The rapid shift from drought to deluge highlights the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the challenges facing urban infrastructure in adapting to these changes.

China’s extensive network of dams and reservoirs, while crucial for water management, also presents a risk. Controlled releases to prevent dam failures can exacerbate downstream flooding,as highlighted by concerns expressed by residents regarding potential reservoir discharges.

The “720” disaster served as a stark warning, prompting calls for improved urban planning, enhanced early warning systems, and increased investment in flood defenses. However, the recurrence of severe flooding in Zhengzhou suggests that more comprehensive and proactive measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring of rainfall and water levels is critical to ensure public safety and minimize further damage.

What specific measures are being taken to address learning gaps and provide support for students affected by school closures?

The Scale of the Disaster: Record Rainfall and its Impact

Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province in China, is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods triggered by record-breaking rainfall in late July and early August 2025. The extreme weather event, described as the heaviest rainfall in over a century, has caused widespread disruption to daily life, severely impacting both the education sector and the region’s bustling business landscape. Initial reports indicate rainfall exceeding 600mm (24 inches) within a 24-hour period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rivers to burst their banks.

This isn’t the first time Zhengzhou has faced important flooding. The 2021 Henan floods, which also heavily impacted Zhengzhou, served as a stark reminder of the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. However,the 2025 event appears to have surpassed the intensity of the previous disaster in several key areas.

Educational Institutions Under Water: School Closures and Learning Disruption

The flooding has led to the closure of numerous schools and universities across Zhengzhou and surrounding areas.

School closures: Hundreds of educational institutions, from primary schools to vocational colleges, have suspended classes indefinitely.

Damage to Infrastructure: Many school buildings have suffered significant damage, including flooded classrooms, damaged equipment, and compromised structural integrity.

Impact on Students: The disruption to education is affecting tens of thousands of students, potentially delaying academic progress and impacting exam schedules. Online learning has been implemented where possible,but access to reliable internet connectivity remains a challenge for some students in affected areas.

University disruptions: Zhengzhou University, one of the largest universities in the region, experienced extensive flooding on its campus, forcing the evacuation of students and staff. Research facilities and laboratories have also been impacted, potentially delaying ongoing projects.

The long-term consequences for education include potential learning gaps, increased stress for students and educators, and the financial burden of repairing damaged infrastructure. The Henan provincial Department of Education is working to assess the full extent of the damage and develop a plan for resuming classes safely.

Business Interruption: Supply Chains and Economic losses

zhengzhou is a major transportation hub and industrial center in central China, and the floods have caused significant disruption to business operations.

Transportation Network Paralysis: The city’s subway system was severely impacted, with several stations flooded and services suspended. Road networks were also rendered impassable in many areas, hindering the movement of goods and people. This has created major logistical challenges for businesses relying on efficient transportation.

Manufacturing Slowdown: Many factories and industrial facilities in Zhengzhou and surrounding areas were forced to halt production due to flooding and power outages. This has disrupted supply chains for various industries, including electronics, automotive, and food processing.

Retail and Service Sector impact: Retail stores, restaurants, and other service businesses have been forced to close temporarily, leading to lost revenue and economic hardship for local entrepreneurs.

Agricultural Losses: Henan province is a major agricultural producer, and the floods have caused widespread damage to crops, leading to significant losses for farmers and potentially impacting food prices.

Logistics Hub Disruption: Zhengzhou is a key node in china’s logistics network. The flooding has created bottlenecks and delays in the movement of goods, affecting businesses across the country.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the economic losses from the floods could run into billions of dollars. The disruption to business operations is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Chinese economy.

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Future mitigation

The severity of the flooding has highlighted the vulnerabilities of Zhengzhou’s infrastructure to extreme weather events.

Drainage system Capacity: The city’s drainage system proved inadequate to cope with the record rainfall,leading to widespread flooding.

Urban Planning Concerns: Some experts have pointed to rapid urbanization and inadequate urban planning as contributing factors to the disaster. The expansion of concrete surfaces has reduced the land’s ability to absorb rainwater, exacerbating the flooding.

Early Warning Systems: While early warning systems were in place,their effectiveness was limited. There is a need to improve the accuracy and timeliness of flood warnings and ensure that thay reach vulnerable populations.

Investment in Infrastructure: Significant investment is needed to upgrade Zhengzhou’s infrastructure, including improving drainage systems, strengthening river embankments, and building more resilient transportation networks.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

The Chinese government has launched a large-scale relief effort to assist those affected by the floods.

Emergency Response Teams: Thousands of emergency responders have been deployed to Zhengzhou to assist with rescue and evacuation efforts.

Financial Aid: the government has allocated billions of yuan in financial aid to support relief and recovery efforts.

Supply Distribution: Food,water,medicine,and other essential supplies are being distributed to affected communities.

Infrastructure Repair: Efforts are underway to repair damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power grids.

Relocation Assistance: temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced from their homes.

Resources for Affected Individuals and Businesses

Henan Provincial Government Website: https://www.henan.gov.cn/ (Official details and updates)

Chinese Red Cross: [https://www.redcross.org.cn/](https://www.redcross