Extreme rainfall, increasingly linked to climate change, is creating uneven risks for farming in China, according to a study led by Dr. Haoyu Hu from the University of Manchester. The research analyzed extreme precipitation across China between 2000 and 2023, using detailed rainfall data alongside information on cropland and transport networks. This comes as China has faced a series of severe flooding events this year, with over 16 million people affected by natural disasters in July alone, mainly due to flooding and landslides. Earlier this month, Typhoon Saudel brought torrential rainfall to several southern and eastern provinces, with some areas in Fujian receiving more than 400 mm of rain in 24 hours. Scientists have found that human-induced climate change has intensified extreme precipitation in China, and recent research has shown that climate-related changes are increasing the risk of extreme rainfall in northern China. The study reveals that exposure to extreme precipitation varies significantly across China, with southwest China remaining particularly vulnerable. The research also identified significant exposure in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain and the Northeast China Plain, both important agricultural regions. Changes in rainfall patterns in these areas could have major consequences for food production. The researchers warn that the effects of heavier rainfall extend beyond crop damage. Flooding can disrupt roads used to transport agricultural products, machinery, and supplies. Areas that rely heavily on a few major roads can become especially vulnerable if those routes are blocked by floods, landslides, or damaged bridges. While major highways improve accessibility under normal conditions, local roads and alternative routes are crucial for maintaining resilience when extreme weather disrupts the main transport network. Recent flooding in China has shown how quickly heavy rainfall can overwhelm infrastructure and isolate communities. In July, heavy rainfall triggered floods across multiple river basins, with hundreds of rivers exceeding warning levels. The study highlights the need to prepare agricultural systems for a future where extreme rainfall poses an increasingly serious threat. "The floods we have seen across China recently provide a stark reminder of how quickly extreme rainfall can disrupt agricultural and transport systems," said study co-author Yuxin Pan. "Our research shows that these risks are not evenly distributed, and some farming regions are much more exposed than others." Dr. Hu emphasized that the impacts of heavy rainfall go beyond direct damage to crops. "A flood can also cut off the roads that farmers depend on to move food, supplies, and equipment," he said. "This combination of climate exposure and poor accessibility can create particularly serious vulnerabilities." The researchers suggest that building resilience is not simply about constructing more roads. Instead, they argue that understanding where extreme rainfall is most likely to affect agricultural land is crucial. Ensuring communities have reliable and resilient transport networks during extreme weather is key. The researchers recommend targeted investment in local transport networks, emergency response systems, and agricultural infrastructure to reduce risks in the most vulnerable regions.