Millions at risk as Guangdong, China braces for severe river flooding

The Guangdong province in China is facing a major crisis as rivers, waterways, and reservoirs are on the brink of causing dangerous floods, putting over 127 million people at risk. Local weather officials have described the situation as “grim”, with water levels in the Xijiang and Beijiang river basins reaching rare spikes that have a one-in-50 chance of occurring in any given year.

In response to the escalating threat, the Chinese water resource ministry has issued an emergency advisory, urging local departments to implement emergency plans to prevent natural disasters and provide relief to affected residents. The province, known for its bustling commercial and trading activities, has been battered by heavy rains and strong winds for several days, affecting cities like Zhaoqing, Shaoguan, Qingyuan, and Jiangmen.

The impact of the floods has been severe, with over 45,000 people evacuated in Qingyuan and 1.16 million households losing power due to the heavy rains. Schools in several cities have also been forced to suspend classes, and residents have taken to social media to share their experiences of the devastating weather conditions.

Neighboring Guangxi province has also been hit hard, with violent winds, hailstones, and major flooding causing widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are underway to save those stranded in floodwaters, with landslides reported in the city of Hezhou.

Weather forecasters are predicting more heavy rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding and damage in the region. Authorities are on high alert, working tirelessly to protect lives and property from the relentless onslaught of nature’s fury.