China suffered approximately $29.9 billion in direct economic losses from natural disasters during the first nine months of 2026, according to figures released by the country’s Ministry of Emergency Management on Thursday.
The losses totalled 199.36 billion yuan, down 8% from 217.65 billion yuan recorded during the same period in 2025. Severe typhoons, flooding and landslides were among the major contributors to the damage.
Southwestern and southern China accounted for the majority of people affected and fatalities during the reporting period, highlighting the continuing impact of extreme weather and geological hazards across the country.
Natural Disasters Claim More Than 1,100 Lives
According to the ministry, 1,162 people died or were reported missing in natural disasters across China during the first nine months of 2026. This was significantly higher than the 742 deaths and missing persons recorded during the same period last year.
The ministry said several sudden and extreme disasters in southern regions had contributed to a substantial increase in the number of people killed or reported missing compared with the five-year average.
The figures underline the human cost of disasters even as overall direct economic losses declined compared with 2025.
Typhoons Cause the Greatest Financial Damage
Eastern coastal provinces experienced the heaviest property destruction and economic losses because of repeated typhoon landfalls.
The ministry identified typhoons as the leading cause of direct financial damage during the first nine months of the year.
Repeated storms can cause extensive destruction to homes, infrastructure, businesses and agricultural land, particularly in coastal areas exposed to strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm-related flooding.
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Landslides and Geological Hazards Drive Fatalities
Geological hazards, including rain-triggered landslides and mudslides, accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities among the disaster categories reported by the ministry.
These hazards represented approximately 60% of all disaster types recorded during the period, according to the report.
Heavy rainfall can destabilise slopes and trigger sudden landslides, threatening communities in mountainous areas and regions vulnerable to extreme weather.
The concentration of fatalities in southwestern and southern China highlights the risks faced by communities exposed to flooding, unstable terrain and severe rainfall.
Economic Losses Decline Despite Rising Death Toll
Although China’s direct economic losses fell by 8% compared with the first nine months of 2025, the number of people killed or reported missing increased considerably.
The contrasting figures show that lower financial losses do not necessarily indicate a reduction in the human impact of natural disasters.
With typhoons continuing to threaten eastern coastal provinces and geological hazards posing serious risks in other regions, disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and emergency response measures remain important priorities.
The latest figures highlight the continuing challenge of protecting lives and infrastructure as China faces recurring extreme weather events and other natural hazards.
