At least 16 people were killed in a flash flood in Qinghai, Western China on August 18. Of the 36 people that were reported to be missing, 18 have been found. According to Chinese state media, CCTV, the heavy rainfall caused a landslide that changed a river’s course, resulting in flooding. Six villages and more than 6,000 people were affected.

Reuters has reported that the Chinese government deployed 2,000 people and more than 160 vehicles to assist with disaster operations. 

The heavy rainfall and flash flood was referred to as “mountain torrent,” which could cause unexpected change in river currents. Most of the time, people who reside near rivers are not prepared for an incident like this. Recently, the Sichuan province has also experienced this type of weather, killing seven people in the area. Beijing News has also shared a video showing the effects of the rainfall, showing uprooted trees and overturned cars. 

Since June, China’s weather has been at the extremes, with some regions experiencing intense rain and flooding, while others are going through very high temperatures and drought. Reports have stated that China is going through the worst temperatures and droughts in the last 60 years. The government puts climate change at fault for what has been happening, as it has also started to affect the country’s economy. Crops have already started to die due to the drought. 

Temperatures have also caused an increase in the demand for electricity and air-conditioning use. Factories have stopped operations due to company shutdowns since the drought cut hydropower. The Shanghai Economic and Information Industry Committee has requested its counterpart in Sichuan to provide power to factories during working hours to maintain production. 

In an attempt to produce rain, three provinces in China have started seed-clouding.

Seed-clouding rockets can be seen in the China skies.