BEIJING – In a major policy shift, China has expanded financial support for people affected by flood control measures, pledging greater compensation from the central government and new protections for farmers and livestock owners.
Under the revised rules released Friday, the central government will now cover 70% of compensation funds for those impacted by diverted floodwaters. Local governments will be responsible for the remaining 30%. Previously, the split was determined based on economic damage and local financial capacity.
The changes come amid rising public concern, as extreme rainfall continues to hit large parts of China. Authorities often use designated flood diversion zones—usually farmland or residential areas—to control river overflow. However, recent use of these zones has displaced thousands and sparked anger in flood-hit communities.
For the first time, losses of livestock and poultry that cannot be relocated before a flood will now be eligible for compensation. Earlier policies only covered working animals like oxen and horses, leaving many farmers without aid for major losses.
In 2023, nearly one million people were evacuated in Hebei province after record rainfall forced emergency water diversions to protect Beijing. The move destroyed homes and farmland, fueling public outcry. The new policy appears to be a direct response to such backlash.
With rainfall in the Yangtze River basin now up to double the usual levels, and several cities like Guizhou facing once-in-50-year flood events, Beijing has pledged to relocate vulnerable populations and allocate more land for water diversion to reduce future risks.