Extreme rainfall and widespread flooding caused the bill for natural damages in China to almost double in July, compared to the same period last year, according to official figures.
The economic losses resulting from July's natural disasters amounted to 76.9 billion yuan (equivalent to almost 113 billion kronor), reports the department responsible for crisis management, citing news agency Reuters. Nearly 90 percent of the costs are linked to the consequences of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Over 26 million people across China were affected by natural disasters in July, according to the department. As a result, 328 people have died or are missing.
Extreme weather events such as downpours, heatwaves, storms, and flooding are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change.
