Deadly Floods Ravage China's Southwestern Guizhou Province
Severe flooding triggered by heavy rains has swept through Guizhou province in southwestern China, claiming the lives of six people and forcing more than 80,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The disaster has prompted the highest emergency flood response from Chinese authorities as they contend with the relentless onslaught of extreme weather.
Exceptional Flooding in Rongjiang County
Since early this week, relentless downpours have unleashed “exceptionally large floods” in Rongjiang County. The inundation devastated many low-lying areas, leaving entire towns with severely damaged infrastructure. Roads were blocked, communication lines cut off, and numerous people trapped amid rising waters.
Officials reported that floodwaters reached alarming levels, submerging locations such as a local football field beneath nearly three meters of water. In some cases, residents required rescue from the upper floors of their homes as floodwaters surged around them. Fortunately, water levels have now begun to recede, though recovery and rescue operations continue.
Evacuations and Widespread Impact
By June 24, authorities had evacuated roughly 80,900 individuals throughout Guizhou province to safer locations. Meanwhile, neighboring Guangxi region also suffered from torrential rain, triggering mudslides that inundated residential zones and prompting flood warnings on twenty rivers. Visuals emerging from Meilin Township showed streets flooded with muddy torrents, compounding the region’s challenges.
Disrupted Communications and Ongoing Relief Efforts
Flooding and landslides have severely impacted communications in affected areas, hampering coordination of rescue and relief activities. Government agencies in Guangxi are actively collaborating to restore services and assist displaced residents.
Broader Weather Outlook
Elsewhere in China, the sweltering summer heat has intensified, with Beijing issuing a second-highest level heat alert amid one of its hottest days this year. Meanwhile, heavy rains recently forced tens of thousands to evacuate in Hunan province. Meteorologists warn of continued severe weather conditions in the weeks ahead as the peak of summer approaches, signaling further challenges for disaster management teams across the country.
