The Henan famine of 1942–1943 (Chinese: 河南大饑荒) occurred within the context of the Second Sino-Japanese War and resulted from a combination of natural and human factors. Anthony Garnaut put the death toll to be "well under one million", probably around 700,000, while Lloyd Eastman estimated that two to three million starved to death. 15 years later Henan was struck by the deadlier Great Chinese famine.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying Chinese famine of 1942-43 alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
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