Asian floods bring destruction and delight

Torrential rains overwhelmed the local river and flooded the county seat and other towns [Reuters]

The worst drought in 50 years across central and southern China has finally been broken with the arrival of torrential flood waters. 

But relief also brought disaster, with the deluge killing at least 24 people and leaving more than 31 others missing.

The floods have destroyed roads, bridges and thousands of homes across the southwest.

About 45,000 residents in Guizhou province’s Wango County had to evacuate their homes after heavy rain inundated the area.

Three hundred houses were destroyed and 2,400 dwellings were left submerged. 

The provincial civil affairs bureau said the floods have hit 11 cities and counties in Guixhou province since June 3 and no less than 270,000 people have been affected.

But there is yet more rain in the forecast over the next few days.

India hit

India has also been struggling to cope with recent floods.

The summer downpours that are the life blood to the region come in on the southwesterly monsoon bringing essential water supplies to South Asia and much needed relief from the heat.

Ahead of the showers, some areas were getting temperatures easily hitting the mid-40s Celsius but the arrival of clouds has knocked the temperature down a good 10 degrees.

This season’s rain started a couple of days ahead of schedule, moving into Kerala at the end of May. 

Since then the rain has steadily moved up the west coast, well into Maharashtra.

Some parts have been getting 90-100mm a day for the last few days. This has inevitably caused widespread flooding, even as far north as Mumbai.

There is a real irony in the fact that the rain is so desperately needed – however, when it finally does arrive it inevitably brings disruption as well as delight.