- 1State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Disaster Risk Reduction, Beijng Normal University, Beijing, China (zhanggf15@foxmail.com)
- 2Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management, Ministry of Emergency Management and Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China (zhanggf15@foxmail.com)
- 3National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, Beijing, China(maheng18@foxmail.com)
From 10 to 15 April 2025, China experienced a rare persistent extreme wind-dust compound disaster that swept from north
to south. Based on in-situ observational data, historical disaster records, and situations of various exposed elements, this study
analyzed the formation mechanisms and evolution of this extreme weather event and conducted a rapid assessment of the associ-
ated loss and damage. The results indicate that the direct cause of this extreme wind-dust compound disaster was a strong
cold vortex system generated in Mongolia, which moved eastward and southward, combined with the amplification effects
of topography and urban structures, and the downward transmission of momentum from higher troposphere. The analysis
revealed that approximately 697.47 million people were exposed to strong winds, while about 1,374.54 million people were
exposed to high concentrations of PM10. The strong winds also caused varying degrees of damage to buildings, transporta-
tion networks, agricultural greenhouses, and forests. Based on vulnerability curves for wind-related loss and damage, it was
estimated that the number of victims affected by this extreme wind-dust compound disaster ranged from 0.209 to 1.044
million, with casualties between 5 and 13 individuals. The number of damaged buildings was estimated to be between 2115
and 4607, and the area of affected crops was between 229 and 783 km2. The direct economic losses could reach as high as
RMB 0.076–3.501 billion yuan. This study revealed the potential causes of this extreme wind-dust compound disaster and quantified
the disaster loss and impact, providing new insights for the prevention of strong wind and dust associated disasters.
How to cite: Zhang, G., Wang, Y., Lin, Z., Li, W., and Ma, H.: Process, Causes, and Loss Assessment of the Extreme Wind‑DustCompound Disaster in China in April 2025, EMS Annual Meeting 2026, Utrecht, Netherlands, 6–11 Sep 2026, EMS2026-599, https://doi.org/10.5194/ems2026-599, 2026.
Supporters & sponsors
