A disaster simulation centre in Hangzhou, China, is offering members of the public the opportunity to experience the force of typhoons and flash floods as the country faces increasingly severe weather linked to climate change.
Among those taking part was Huang Zhen, a 34-year-old café owner, who closed his business for a day to undergo training designed to prepare participants for extreme weather emergencies.
The Lvxing Disaster Simulation Training Centre charges 1,599 yuan (about $235) per day and says it is the first facility of its kind in the world to offer simulated typhoon training.
Participants, equipped with wetsuits, helmets and guided by safety instructors, experience wind speeds of up to 165 kilometres per hour (103 mph) combined with torrential rain.
The centre also features a flash flood simulation in which 900 tonnes of water are released to recreate mountain flooding, while another exercise requires participants to navigate a mock urban environment through 400 tonnes of floodwater, with water levels ranging from thigh to shoulder height.
“Over the last two years, the weather has become increasingly unpredictable,” Huang said. “An opportunity like this gives us a better idea of what different levels of disasters might actually be like and helps raise our awareness of disaster preparedness.”
Scientists say climate change is exposing the world’s second-largest economy to more frequent and destructive weather events. This year has raised particular concern due to the development of the El Niño weather pattern, which is associated with higher temperatures and the potential for stronger typhoons.