Flooding in China Takes Lives and Causes Damage

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.