China has warned residents in Xinjiang Uyghur and the northwest regions of the country to prepare for severe flooding this summer, due to abnormal heat, heavy rains, and rapid glacier melting.
According to reports from official Chinese media, the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert, experienced its first flood of the year in early June, with images showing large amounts of water flooding normally arid sand dunes.
Although floods of this kind have occurred in the Taklamakan Desert since 2021, such events typically happen in August, the hottest month of the year.
However, this year temperatures have risen much faster than usual. On 12 June, temperatures in Xinjiang were 7.3 degrees Celsius above the average for that time, reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, western and southern parts of Xinjiang have experienced more frequent rainfall, with some areas receiving two to three times the historical average rainfall for early June.
Experts say the desert flooding results from a combination of heat waves and heavy rain, causing glaciers and snow accumulations on the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains to melt rapidly.
Massive volumes of water have flowed into the Tarim River, China's longest inland river, causing water levels to rise above the banks and flood low-lying desert areas.
While this phenomenon may temporarily create oases in the desert, experts believe these will not last long because the Taklamakan Desert lies deep inland, surrounded by high mountains, resulting in low humidity and very high evaporation rates.
Although the increased water flow will help nourish forests and ecosystems in parts of the region, Chinese authorities warn that disaster risks remain high.
Sun Qianqian, an analyst at the China Meteorological Administration, said severe flooding could damage roads, railways, and critical oil and natural gas infrastructure that are vital to the region.
Officials also advised residents and travelers to closely monitor weather warnings, adjust travel plans accordingly, and prioritize safety at all times.
/source:channelnewsasia
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