Shaoguan, Guangdong – Authorities in Guangdong province have conducted the evacuation of nearly 60,000 people from their homes due to severe flooding caused by days of heavy rain. The floods have impacted China’s most populous province, with eleven individuals reported missing, although no casualties have been confirmed at this time.
Footage from both state media and online sources reveal the extensive flooding, with rescuers navigating lifeboats through waist-deep water to reach stranded residents. The situation has been exacerbated by several major rivers overflowing their banks, prompting authorities to closely monitor water levels deemed “dangerously high.”
Throughout the low-lying Pearl River delta, which encompasses much of Guangdong, the flooding poses significant challenges due to rising sea levels and storm surges. Guangdong itself supports a population of around 127 million people and serves as a critical manufacturing hub within China.
Provincial capital Guangzhou, as well as Shaoguan and Heyuan, have experienced substantial damage, with approximately 1.16 million households losing power over the weekend. Despite these challenges, 80% of the affected households had their electricity restored by Sunday night.
The flooding has caused the collapse or severe damage of numerous homes across the province, with authorities estimating a direct economic loss of nearly 140.6 million yuan ($19.8 million). Flights have been disrupted at Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, and schools in at least three cities have been ordered to close.
Videos shared online depict the rapid torrents breaking down walls and bridges, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Meteorological authorities in China have issued warnings that heavy rains will persist in Guangdong and neighboring coastal areas until at least Tuesday, impacting millions of residents who continue to face the threat of further flooding.