From January to September 2023, extreme weather in China has caused significant human and economic losses. Initial figures show that over 1,162 people have died or gone missing due to natural disasters, with direct economic losses amounting to nearly RMB 200 billion.
Millions of people across China have been affected by natural disasters in 2023, with half a billion directly impacted. Specific types of disasters include geological disasters, typhoons, floods, and wind-ice disasters, resulting in significant damage to housing and agricultural land.
The changing natural disaster situation in 2023 highlights the impact of climate change on Chinese society and the economy. The first half of the year saw severe flooding in some regions, followed by frequent typhoons in the second half. Experts emphasize that improving disaster warning mechanisms and strengthening infrastructure will be critical to addressing future disasters.