Heavy rainfall has triggered dangerous flooding in China’s Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, placing many residents at risk. Officials are actively engaged in disaster response efforts to safeguard lives and minimize the impact of the ongoing crisis.
In Guangdong, concerns are heightened as rivers in the Xijiang and Beijiang basins swell to levels seen only once every 50 years. The government’s water resource ministry has issued an emergency notice, urging cities and towns to prepare for potential emergencies. Relief efforts are underway, with supplies such as food, clothing, and shelter being dispatched to those in need.
The relentless downpours and strong winds over several days, including a 12-hour deluge on Saturday night, have severely affected central and northern parts of Guangdong, including cities like Zhaoqing, Shaoguan, Qingyuan, and Jiangmen. In Qingyuan, nearly 20,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate, while damaged power facilities in Zhaoqing have led to localized power outages. As a precautionary measure, schools in Qingyuan have been closed to ensure student safety.
Social media platforms are abuzz with firsthand accounts of the devastation, particularly in Zhaoqing’s Huaiji county, where flooding has disrupted power and communication services for elderly residents and children. Disturbing videos show floodwaters sweeping away cars along narrow streets, illustrating the severity of the situation.
In neighboring Guangxi province, strong winds have caused significant damage to buildings, and some areas have experienced hailstorms and major flooding. Rescue teams are tirelessly working to assist those trapped in floodwaters, with reports indicating 65 landslides in Hezhou city alone.
The unfolding weather crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for swift and coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities in both Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. Authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring the situation, and are committed to providing necessary support to millions of people affected by the severe weather conditions in southern China.
