A floating lighthouse on the Hunhe River in Shenyang was swept downstream by floodwaters caused by Typhoon Bavi [1, 2].
The incident highlights the destructive power of extreme weather events in Liaoning Province, where infrastructure is vulnerable to sudden, high-volume river surges.
Local Chinese authorities said the structure was dragged from its position by the flooding [1, 2]. As the lighthouse moved downstream, it struck a high-voltage power line, which triggered sparks and caused a cable break [1, 2]. The momentum of the floodwaters then pushed the structure into a bridge before it eventually resurfaced further downstream [1, 2].
The displacement was caused by exceptional rains associated with Typhoon Bavi [1, 2]. These rains led to severe flooding along the Hunhe River, creating currents strong enough to move the heavy navigational aid [1, 2].
Emergency crews monitored the path of the lighthouse as it collided with critical infrastructure. While the structure caused damage to the electrical grid and the bridge, it was later recovered from the river [1, 2]. Authorities in Shenyang said they have not released specific details regarding the cost of the damage or the duration of power outages resulting from the cable break [1, 2].
The event underscores the challenges of maintaining floating river infrastructure during the typhoon season. Such structures are designed to rise and fall with water levels, but they cannot withstand the lateral force of a severe flood surge [1, 2].
“A floating lighthouse was dragged by floodwaters, struck a high‑voltage power line... then collided with a bridge.”
This incident demonstrates the risk that floating infrastructure poses to fixed assets, such as bridges and power grids, during extreme weather. When navigational aids are detached by storm surges, they become uncontrolled debris capable of causing cascading infrastructure failures in urban river corridors.
