Desert Flood: Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang Experiences First Flood of 2026

(CNA, Taipei, 13th) - The Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China, recently experienced its first flood of 2026, creating a rare phenomenon of flooding in an arid desert. Experts from the China Meteorological Administration stated that the flood was caused by a combination of high-temperature snowmelt and rainfall.

According to reports from China Central Television (CCTV) and international media, the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert, saw its first flood of 2026 on the 9th.

Reports indicate that since 2021, similar-scale floods have occurred annually in the Taklamakan Desert, typically peaking in August when temperatures reach their highest. This year, however, temperatures rose earlier than usual, with Xinjiang recently reaching 38°C—7.3°C above the long-term average.

CCTV cited analysts from the China Meteorological Administration, noting that western and southern Xinjiang experienced frequent rainfall in early June, with precipitation significantly higher than normal—some areas receiving double or even triple the usual amount.

At the same time, southern Xinjiang has seen unusually high temperatures, causing widespread melting of glaciers and snowpack in the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains. Meltwater flowed down valleys, converging into the Tarim River, causing water levels to surge. The river overflowed, spilling into low-lying desert areas and creating a desert flood.

Meteorological experts warn local residents to closely monitor official flood warnings. While such floods provide valuable water to riparian vegetation and offer ecological restoration opportunities, extreme flooding may damage roads, railways, and oil and gas infrastructure, posing disaster risks. (Edited by Chou Hui-Ying / Chu Chien-Ling) 1150613