Heavy rainfall from Typhoon No. 9 triggered large-scale flooding across northern China on July 12, 2026 [1].
The disaster has disrupted critical infrastructure and displaced residents in Hebei Province, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events as the typhoon approached.
In Chengde, the 24-hour rainfall reached 226.9 mm [2]. This record-breaking precipitation caused rivers to overflow and inundated residential areas. Reports said that water levels in the city reached up to 3 meters [1]. The flooding cut off power and water supplies for many residents and left others stranded in their homes.
The impact extended beyond the city center of Chengde. In Kuancheng Manchu Autonomous County, floodwaters on roads were reported at depths of 2 meters or more [3]. Additional flooding was observed in parts of Liaoning Province [3].
Emergency conditions were exacerbated by the speed of the rising waters. Video evidence shows vehicles being swept away by currents in submerged areas [1]. Local authorities said they have been monitoring the overflow of river systems as the storm system moved through the region.
The combination of record rainfall and the approach of Typhoon No. 9 created a surge that overwhelmed local drainage systems. Residents in the affected Hebei and Liaoning areas continue to deal with the aftermath of the sudden inundation [1], [3].
“Water levels in the city reached up to 3 meters”
The scale of the flooding in Hebei and Liaoning provinces underscores the increasing intensity of seasonal typhoons in Northern China. When record-breaking rainfall coincides with river overflows, urban infrastructure in cities like Chengde can be quickly overwhelmed, leading to total utility failures and hazardous road conditions that impede emergency response.
