Severe Flooding Imperils Millions in Southern China Amid Unrelenting Rainstorms

Heavy rains pounded southern China over the weekend, causing flooding in homes, streets, and farmland. The lives of tens of millions of people were at risk as rescuers worked to evacuate those trapped by rising waters.

Guangdong province, which is home to 127 million people and is an economic powerhouse, experienced days of rainstorms. These storms led to widespread floods, resulting in over 82,500 people needing to be relocated, according to state media reports citing the local government.

At least 11 people are currently missing, with six of them being from Jiangwan town near Shaoguan city in the mountainous north of the province. Heavy downpours in the area have caused landslides, leading to injuries for six individuals, as reported by the state-run news agency Xinhua on Monday.

Since April 16, the Pearl River Delta, which is China's manufacturing hub and one of the most densely populated areas in the country, has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall. In fact, four weather stations in Guangdong have recorded record-breaking rainfall for the month of April.

The Pearl River basin experiences flooding every year from April to September. However, in recent years, the region has seen even heavier rainstorms and more severe floods. Scientists are warning that the climate crisis will worsen extreme weather events, making them more frequent and dangerous.

In the past year, China faced unusually intense and extreme downpours during the flood season. A total of 72 national weather stations recorded record daily rainfall, while 346 stations broke monthly rainfall records, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Since last week, at least 44 rivers in the Pearl River basin have swelled above the warning line, threatening to burst their banks, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Aerial view of waterlogged fields after torrential rains on April 20, 2024 in Qingyuan, Guangdong Province of China.

Aerial view of waterlogged fields after torrential rains on April 20, 2024 in Qingyuan, Guangdong Province of China.

VCG/Visual China Group/Getty Images

Authorities along the Bei River, a tributary of the Pearl River, have issued a warning about an impending “once a century” flood. The water levels are expected to rise to 5.8 meters (19 feet) above the warning limit. This flood season arrived earlier than usual, with the river bursting its banks on April 8, the earliest recorded date since 1998, according to Guangdong authorities.

Recently released aerial footage by CCTV showed villages along the Bei River submerged in murky floodwaters. In some areas, only the tops of roofs and trees were visible above the water.

Residents in Guangning county, Zhaoqing city, captured footage of muddy brown water flowing through village streets and carrying away cars on the short video app Douyin. In Shaoguan, a man was spotted pushing his scooter through flood waters that reached up to his shoulders. Meanwhile in Qingyuan city, social media videos depicted powerful winds and rain toppling trees and overturning motorcycles.

In response to the severe weather conditions, authorities elevated the flood control emergency response for the Pearl River Delta to level 2 on Sunday, which is the second highest level in a four-tier system.

Many schools in several cities have been closed and numerous flights have been canceled in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the two bustling metropolises in China.

According to Xinhua, over 80 houses have either collapsed or suffered significant damage, leading to an estimated direct economic loss of almost 140 million yuan ($20 million).

Editor's P/S:

The heavy rains in southern China have caused widespread flooding, displacing tens of millions of people and leaving a trail of destruction. The situation is particularly dire in Guangdong province, where record-breaking rainfall has led to landslides, injuries, and at least 11 missing persons. The Pearl River Delta, a major economic hub, has been particularly hard-hit, with villages submerged and infrastructure damaged.

The flooding highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to the climate crisis. Scientists warn that such events will become more commonplace, posing a significant threat to human life and livelihoods. The Chinese government has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the floods, including issuing flood warnings, evacuating residents, and providing aid. However, the long-term solution lies in addressing the root causes of climate change through global cooperation and concerted action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.