Natural disasters cause over $5.33 billion in damage in China

Natural disasters in China in August caused 36.03 billion yuan (more than $5.33 billion) in damage, according to the country’s Ministry of Emergency Management.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the ministry released the figures.

The ministry said 595 people died or were reported missing as a result of the disasters.

A total of 12.62 million people were affected in disaster-hit areas during August, while 1.18 million residents were evacuated as an emergency measure.

Typhoons, floods and landslides caused the greatest damage last month. More than 400 residential buildings were completely destroyed, 5,900 homes were damaged and 857,400 hectares of agricultural land were rendered unusable.

China regularly faces a range of natural hazards, including flooding, landslides and typhoons, particularly during the summer months. The Ministry of Emergency Management coordinates disaster response and relief efforts nationwide.