Deadly Floods Ravage Southern China
Torrential rain has battered southern China over the weekend, triggering widespread flooding and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
In Guangdong province alone, four fatalities have been reported, including a rescue worker. Over 110,000 people have been evacuated, with 25,800 seeking shelter. The floods have forced more than 1.16 million households to endure power outages, though power has been restored to approximately 80% of homes.
The Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most populous regions, has experienced incessant rain since April 16th. Four weather stations in Guangdong have already registered record rainfall for the month of April.
Authorities have issued warnings of a ‘once a century flood’ as the Bei river, which flows into the Pearl River Delta, is expected to exceed the warning limit by 19 feet. A local meteorologist has described the current situation as ‘the earliest on record to hit China in the highest category of a four-tier classification system.’ Floods of this magnitude usually occur after late June.
Images and aerial footage depict floodwaters submerging entire villages, leaving only rooftops and treetops visible. Over 80 houses have been damaged or destroyed, while schools and flights have been suspended in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
As of Monday, the economic losses from the floods have reached nearly 140 million yuan (USD 20 million).
Guangdong is expected to face further heavy rain this week. China’s meteorological authorities have also warned of torrential rain in neighboring Fujian until at least Tuesday. Moderate to heavy rain is anticipated in other parts of the country, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Heibei.
