Torrential Rains in Southern China Claim Lives, Leave Many Missing
Torrential rainfall throughout southern China over the weekend resulted in tragic fatalities and extensive damage. State media reported at least four deaths in riverside cities, with search efforts still underway for 10 missing individuals.
Zhaoqing and Shaoguan cities in Guangdong province are among the most severely affected areas. Xinhua, the official news agency, confirmed three fatalities in Zhaoqing and one rescuer’s death in Shaoguan, without specifying the exact circumstances.
The relentless rains commenced late last week, causing severe flooding. Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV depicted rescuers utilizing rubber boats to evacuate residents from submerged shopping streets and residential areas.
According to Xinhua, approximately 110,000 people have been evacuated across Guangdong province, and 25,800 have sought refuge in emergency shelters. Guangzhou, the provincial capital, has experienced record-breaking rainfall, with a cumulative total of 60.9 centimeters (24 inches) recorded in April alone.
The China Meteorological Observatory has issued a rainstorm warning through Tuesday evening, anticipating continued heavy rainfall across vast areas of southern China, including Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian provinces. Jiangxi province to the north has also been impacted by flooding, with hundreds of people evacuated and millions of dollars in agricultural losses reported.
