Protecting China's Visionary Project: Devastation and Neglected Rural Communities Emerge in Wake of Typhoon Doksuri

Massive devastation has been witnessed in Heibei province and its nearby regions in China, all in an effort to protect Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet project, Xiong'an, from extreme weather conditions. Xiong'an, which is envisioned to be a future metropolis far beyond the imagination of Western capitals, faced significant threats during Typhoon Doksuri that hit northern China. In response to the inclement weather, the Chinese authorities initiated a large-scale flood-control effort, diverting water from overflowing rivers into designated flood zones in Hebei province.

\While this measure ensured the safety of Xiong'an and other metropolitan areas, it came at a cost to rural communities in the region. The Washington Post obtained evidence and firsthand testimonies that revealed the devastating impacts of excessive flooding on these rural areas. Homes and livelihoods were destroyed, and farmland near Xiong'an's high-speed railway station remained underwater for days. The assumption that rural areas are better equipped to handle flooding due to historical flood zones is no longer valid, as these locations have become more populated over the years.

Despite restrictions on the number of residents allowed in flood zones, local governments have allowed communities to flourish in these designated areas. Residents who were interviewed reported a lack of awareness about living in flood storage zones or receiving alerts before their homes were submerged. As a result, over a million people were forced to evacuate their houses in Hebei province due to the catastrophic storm, which left many stranded and caused significant damage to bridges and highways. The incident highlighted the need for better communication and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impacts on vulnerable communities.

Overall, while the measures taken to protect Xiong'an from extreme weather were successful, it is crucial to balance the development of future projects with the well-being and safety of local communities. The incident in Hebei province serves as a reminder that comprehensive planning and effective communication are essential to minimize the destructive consequences of natural disasters.