What is the location of the flooding?
As of August 2, 2026, flash floods and torrential rains have caused severe flooding across northwestern China, particularly in Gansu Province (1).
The flooding began on July 26 in Weiyuan County, Dingxi City, where intense rainfall damaged infrastructure and inundated mountainous communities.
More rain is forecast during China's annual flood season, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The most severe flooding has affected Weiyuan County in Dingxi City, Gansu Province. Weather alerts are also in place for parts of:
- Beijing
- Inner Mongolia
- Sichuan Province
Super Typhoon Dolphin is expected to bring heavy rainfall to China's southeastern coastal regions (1).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment remains challenging as rescue and recovery operations continue in Gansu.
A Level IV emergency response remains in effect, with 305 rescue personnel and 68 vehicles deployed.
Rescue teams located 207 trapped people and rescued 174, while damage assessments and recovery efforts continue (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Landslide and heavy rain alerts remain in effect across Gansu, while more than 64,600 people have been evacuated in Sichuan.
Weather alerts are also active for Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and southeastern coastal regions ahead of Super Typhoon Dolphin (3).
Residents are advised to follow local emergency instructions and avoid flood-prone areas.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
