China Enhances Compensation Policies for Communities Affected by Flood Diversion Measures
BEIJING – China has announced updated economic safeguards to better support communities impacted by flood diversion strategies, a key part of the country’s response to increasingly extreme rainfall events.
Under newly revised regulations, the central government will now cover 70% of compensation costs for people affected by flood diversion measures, while local governments will contribute the remaining 30%. This is a significant change from previous rules, where compensation responsibility varied based on regional economic conditions and local fiscal capabilities.
🌧️ Growing Need for Flood Management Amid Rising Rainfall
With the frequency and intensity of extreme weather increasing, China has intensified its use of designated flood diversion zones—areas adjacent to rivers where excess water can be temporarily stored to protect larger urban regions from flooding. Many of these zones include cropland, livestock farms, and residential properties, raising concerns among residents and triggering social challenges.
For the first time, compensation will now also include livestock and poultry that cannot be relocated before floodwaters arrive. Previously, only losses involving working animals qualified for government assistance.
📍 Spotlight on Hebei and the Yangtze River Basin
In summer 2023, nearly 1 million people were relocated in Hebei province after authorities diverted floodwaters to populated areas to reduce the risk to Beijing, sparking public concern over the sacrifice of homes and farmland.
Currently, China has 98 official flood diversion areas across major river systems, including the Yangtze River basin, which supports one-third of the nation’s population. During last year’s heavy flooding, eight flood storage areas were activated in Hebei alone.
📈 Rainfall Reaches Record Levels in Multiple Provinces
The China Meteorological Administration reported that since the start of the East Asia monsoon in early June, rainfall in the middle and lower Yangtze regions has been up to twice the normal levels. Provinces like Hubei and Guizhou recorded historic rainfall levels for June at 30 meteorological stations.
In Guizhou, one city experienced flooding on a scale not seen in 50 years, affecting over 300,000 residents and prompting a rapid emergency response.
🛠️ Government Actions and Future Plans
In response to the worsening conditions, the central government has pledged to:
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Relocate at-risk populations and industries to safer zones,
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Expand designated flood diversion areas, and
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Strengthen disaster relief infrastructure across vulnerable regions.
These initiatives are part of China’s broader strategy to enhance climate resilience, protect lives, and support communities impacted by the challenges of extreme weather.
