Extreme Rain in China Caused at Least $2.2 Billion in Road Damage, Further Straining Public Purse

Damaged roads and fallen trees next to the overflowing Qingshui river after heavy rainfall flooded the area, in Miyun district of Beijing, China, on July 29, 2025. Florence Lo/Reuters

BEIJING—Extreme rainfall across swathes of China caused over 16 billion yuan ($2.24 billion) in road damage, the transport ministry said on Wednesday.

The preliminary estimate covers damage to roads since the start of flood season, Li Ying, a ministry spokesperson, told reporters, and includes 23 provinces, regions and municipalities—more than two-thirds of China’s administrative divisions.