The relentless downpours have ravaged Southern China, bringing record-breaking rainfall and causing widespread disruption. Cities such as Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, and Yangjiang have borne the full force of the storms, with over a hundred weather observation stations reporting extreme rainfall. In just three hours, some areas received up to 100mm of rain, leading to flash floods and severe waterlogging.
The northern regions of the province had previously faced the brunt of the storms, with devastating floods and landslides displacing more than 110,000 people along the Bei River, a tributary of the Pearl River. While the floodwaters have begun to recede, the National Meteorological Center warns that further storms are expected later in the week.
In Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, central parts of the city experienced the heaviest rainfall on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a red alert, the highest level in China’s four-tier warning system. Residents were urged to be vigilant against potential waterlogging, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides. The Guangdong provincial authorities also warned of heightened risks of geological hazards due to the relentless precipitation.
The extreme weather has taken a heavy toll on transportation, forcing some rail services to reduce speeds and causing numerous flight delays at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the busiest in the country. As of Tuesday morning, at least 66 flights had been delayed due to the storms.
According to the meteorological service in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, the past six days have witnessed the heaviest April rainfall in a decade, with a staggering 581.9mm of rain recorded between the start of the month and Sunday, the worst in 66 years. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and be prepared for continued storms and potential natural hazards near rivers, slopes, and cliffs.
