Storm Surge Disasters in China

Abstract

Storm surge is the main marine hazard in the coastal areas of China. Located in the west of the North Pacific Ocean, the land of China crosses three climatic zones—temperate, subtropical, and tropical—with more than 18 thousand km coastal lines, making it one of the very few countries in the world that are affected not only by tropical but also extra-tropical storm surges. Based on the historical storm surge records and observed tidal station data, this chapter analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics of storm surges, including the interannual variation of frequency, hazards, vulnerability, and risk levels, in the coastal areas of China. Typhoon Saomai storm surge disaster, one of the most serious in China since 1949, is taken as an example to examine the emergency response mechanism and experiences of the Chinese government in the face of such disasters.