Yellow River Flood, 1887

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The 1887 Yellow River flood in Qing China was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. It occurred in late September 1887, primarily due to heavy rainfall and the river's propensity for flooding. The Yellow River, known as "China's Sorrow," had its dikes breached near Huayuankou in Henan Province, causing a massive flood that spread across 50,000 square miles. This event destroyed agricultural settlements and commercial centers, leading to an estimated death toll ranging from 900,000 to 2 million people. The flood had profound effects on the region, including widespread famine and disease outbreaks that exacerbated the loss of life. Two million people were left homeless, and the disaster significantly altered the local ecosystems and agricultural practices. The combination of natural factors like heavy rainfall and human activities such as deforestation contributed to the severity of the flood. The 1887 Yellow River flood remains a significant historical event, highlighting the vulnerability of human societies to natural disasters.