Guangdong Province in China is facing a crisis as major rivers, waterways, and reservoirs threaten to overflow, putting more than 127 million people at risk. The situation has been described as “grim” by local weather officials, with water levels in the Xijiang and Beijiang river basins rising to alarming levels that occur only once in 50 years.
The Chinese government has issued an emergency advisory urging municipalities to start emergency planning to prevent natural disasters and ensure affected individuals have essential supplies like food, clothing, and shelter. The province has been experiencing heavy rainfall and severe convective weather, resulting in torrid downpours and strong winds for several days.
In cities such as Zhaoqing, Shaoguan, Qingyuan, and Jiangmen, a 12-hour period of heavy rain has led to the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people, damaged power facilities, and caused disruptions in daily life. In light of the situation, classes in kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools have been suspended in affected areas.
The overflowing rivers have also prompted authorities in Qingyuan and Shaoguan to halt ship traffic and deploy emergency crews to ensure the safety of residents. Hydrological stations across the province have reported water levels exceeding normal thresholds, while reservoirs in Guangzhou have reached flood limits.
Neighboring Guangxi has also been impacted, with violent winds causing destruction of buildings and widespread flooding. Rescuers have been working tirelessly to save those stranded in floodwaters, as landslides and extreme weather conditions continue to pose risks to communities in the region.
The situation remains critical as emergency response teams work around the clock to mitigate the effects of the flooding and ensure the safety of residents in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. Overcoming these challenges will require concerted efforts from all levels of government and the community to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of natural disasters.