China is concealing scale of flood disaster, say Tibet campaigners

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Published: 2026-08-31T09:40:19.577Z • Permanent link

Floodwaters have left thousands of Tibetans without homes, according to rights group reports. Campaigners claim that hundreds of homes were destroyed on the Tibetan side of the border, with estimates suggesting that the number of missing people is 'far higher' than Beijing admits. The reports have sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the Chinese government's handling of the disaster.

Chinese authorities have been accused of concealing the true extent of the flood disaster, with some speculating that the government may be trying to avoid international criticism. Human rights groups have long been vocal about China's human rights record, and the floods have added to their criticism of the government's response to the crisis. In a statement, the rights group said that "hundreds of homes have been destroyed" and that "the number of missing people is far higher" than the government's official figure.

The Chinese government has been tight-lipped about the situation, with officials from the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters stating that "all necessary measures have been taken" to assist those affected. However, campaigners argue that the government's response has been inadequate, with many saying that they have been denied access to affected areas to assess the situation firsthand.

Baidu's role in China's flood response has been called into question, with some analysts suggesting that the search engine giant may be profiting from the disaster. The company's mapping technology has been used to track the floodwaters, and some have accused Baidu of prioritizing its own interests over the needs of those affected. The incident highlights the tension between the need for data-driven decision-making and the potential for companies to profit from humanitarian crises.

China's response to the floods has also raised concerns about the country's ability to cope with natural disasters. The government's handling of the crisis has been criticized by many, with some arguing that Beijing's priorities are skewed towards economic growth over humanitarian concerns. As a result, China's response to future disasters may be shaped by the government's desire to maintain a positive public image, rather than prioritizing the needs of those affected.

Historically, China has struggled to respond effectively to natural disasters. The 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which killed over 87,000 people, was widely criticized for the government's slow response. In contrast, the Japanese government's response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami was widely praised for its efficiency and effectiveness. China's response to the floods may be influenced by these historical precedents, with the government seeking to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.