Latest World News: Five dead after heavy rains in eastern China, crops damaged
BEIJING, July 23 (Reuters) – Five people have died and two are missing after heavy rain burst a riverbank in a village near the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Saturday, flooding homes and washing away people and their belongings, state media reported.
Muddy water gushed through the streets of a village in Dayuan County, pouring into homes and overturning cars, photos published by the Beijing Youth Daily showed.
China typically experiences heavy rain in late July, but storms have become more intense and unpredictable in recent years.
Torrential rains also submerged parts of northeast China on Saturday, damaging dozens of homes and destroying crops in the region known as the country’s breadbasket.
Nearly 5,600 people were evacuated by authorities in Liaoning province, state broadcaster CCTV reported, after several cities received more than 100 millimeters of rain.
A district in the provincial capital Dalian received 93 millimeters of rain in one hour.
Rescuers were seen wading through knee-deep water in dinghies, footage released by CCTV showed.
About 54 hectares of crops were damaged in the Jinzhou area and the coastal city of Huludao.
Parts of the northeast were hit by drought in May and June, but recent rains have improved the situation, the agriculture ministry said on Friday.
He added that there were still risks for local crops – mainly corn and soybeans – with this year’s El Nino weather pattern likely to bring more extreme weather.
Heavier rains were expected across much of the country on Sunday, with rainstorms and strong winds in parts of northeast and southern parts of Jiangxi and Fujian provinces.
Reporting by Amy Lv and Dominique Patton; Editing by Jacqueline Wong
Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.