Record rainfall batters central China's Henan Province, floods subway in Zhengzhou leaving passengers trapped

China Subway Flooding (Video Screengrab)

Flood water wreaking havoc across China's Henan province on Wednesday following days of torrential rain. A month's worth of rain fell in an hour in China. Widespread flooding, roads were suddenly transformed into rivers and lakes. Subway passengers trapped underground plead for help.

Local authorities said that there are 12 people reported dead in Henan's capital, Zhengzhou, due to the heavy rain. Video showed commuters chest deep in murky flood waters and an underground station turned into a large pool. Another video showed a crowd rescuing a woman being swallowed by a sinkhole.

At least 12 people were killed when a subway line was flooded. Unmistakable panic among the passengers that were trapped inside a submerged subway car when waist deep waters rising to their shoulders. Emergency crews reportedly opening a hole in the roof, evacuating passengers one by one. More than 500 people were pulled to safety.

Heavy downpours have flooded streets, stranding travellers, bringing the region to a standstill. Entire neighbourhoods were swamped, at least 10,000 people have been forced from their homes. Cars are completely submerged. The damage visible as far as the eye can see.

High-speed train station has been shut down and several subway lines and highways have been closed, flights delayed or cancelled.

Henan is a major logistics hub in Central China and has a population of around 100 million. Residents caught in the flood have taken shelter in libraries, cinemas, and museums. Some residential areas in the city have been cut off water supply and electricity. Schools and hospitals have also been cut off.

The government has been upgrading its emergency response with crews working round the clock to rescue residents inside their flooded homes and cars. Over a thousand police officers and soldiers have been sent to the rescue.

People who are stranded have to stay at metro stations or railway stations but there are three shuttle buses picking people who want to stay at the city center to spend night at hotels.

The provincial flight control and drought relief headquarters reported that more than 140,000 residents have been affected by this torrential and 10,000 have been relocated safely so far.

It is said that this torrential rain is the biggest on record in Zhengzhou. This is the most rainfall the region has seen in six decades. Data shows rainfall in general reached over 200 millimeter yesterday while flooding in Germany was around 100 millimeters over two days.

According to reports, increased urbanization and climate change has worsened the impact of floods in recent years.

Every corner of the world now is impacted by the climate crisis. From India, where a monsoon this week killed at least 31 people, to Europe, where more than 200 were killed.