Unending torrential rains have left China devastated by severe flooding. Estimates show that more than 700 people have lost their lives and more than 300 are still missing.

Reports are showing that about ninety percent of the casualties were caused by mountain floods, mudslides and landslides triggered by heavy downpours. Around 645,500 houses have also collapsed.

There is also worry about the number of rivers running dangerously high. More than 230 rivers are above warning levels and 25 of them are at record highs. This is contributing to flooding in over 100 cities. Chinese government officials have also said that over 117 million people have been affected by the intense flooding. Estimated damage costs are reaching close to $21 billion dollars and the floodwaters are not close to stopping.

When a natural disaster like this occurs, it is much more impactful when you know someone who has been directly affected. Many of our Host Families have Au Pairs from China. As of right now, all our Chinese Au Pairs’ families and friends are safe in China. However, some Chinese Au Pairs said the affects have been far reaching.

“Just recently my friend who [studies] in Xi`an said that the railway in Xi`an was affected, some of the railway lines are destroyed so some students can not go home by train,” said Lily an Au Pair from China.

The flooding is also affecting our Chinese Au Pairs who are trying to get their embassy appointments. Meghan Ramirez, goAUPAIR’s International Representative Coordinator advised that the flooding “may be contributing to long embassy waiting times.”

We send our deepest condolences to the people in the flooding areas. We will keep you updated with any news we receive regarding embassy wait times and our Chinese Au Pairs.

Starting October 1, 2009 running through October 6, 2009, China celebrated the People's Republic 60th Anniversary. The celebration marks sixty years since Mao Zedong announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

China's capital city is set to unleash a parade of over 200,000 people in honor of the achievements of the last 60 years. Leaders and politicians will reflect on the practices that have brought China to the status of a world superpower.

United States Ambassador to China, John Huntsman, issued a congratulatory statement to China on the first day of celebration.

"Congratulations to the People’s Republic of China on the 60th anniversary of its founding.  In the last 30 years, China has undergone an extraordinary economic transformation, lifting millions of people out of poverty. This is truly an extraordinary and historic accomplishment.

We are also pleased that this year marks the 30th anniversary of U.S.-PRC diplomatic relations.  As President Obama said, history has shown that our two countries benefit from engagement that is grounded in mutual interest and respect.  I am pleased that today we are working hard to build the kind of positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship that reflects the deepening ties between our people and that will allow us to realize the common interests of our two nations."

One of the many ways our countries mutually benefit is through the Au Pair program. As the Au Pair program grows, more and more Au Pairs from China apply to the program.

"Chinese Au Pairs are in great demand," said, Tanna Wilson, managing director of goAUPAIR. "We have numerous families that love the Chinese cultural and enjoy having the rich cultural influence on their children."

During the celebration, all U.S. Embassies in China will be closed from October 1- 6, 2009. There will be no appointments or visas processed during this time. Please contact goAUPAIR with any further questions regarding any possible delays with Au Pairs and their visas.

*China Celebration Pictures provided by goAUPAIR's Tiger Wang, IT Director.

China's 60th Anniversary National Day - Timelapse and Slow Motion