Heavy rainfall in Guangdong province since Thursday has resulted in swollen rivers in the Pearl River Delta and triggered landslides in mountainous areas.
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, landslides have affected six villages in the northern Guangdong town of Jiangwan, leaving people trapped. Homes have been destroyed by mudslides, forcing individuals to seek shelter in public sports facilities.
While no fatalities have been reported, six individuals who were trapped and injured were airlifted to the nearby city of Shaoguan for medical assistance.
Emergency responders are working tirelessly to provide aid, with more than 80 rescuers deployed to assist those in need. Efforts are also underway to restore communication in affected areas.
The Pearl River Delta, China’s manufacturing hub and one of its most densely populated regions, has been severely impacted by the flooding. Aerial footage reveals floodwaters encroaching on streets, inundating riverside areas, and submerging pavilions and structures.
Authorities have implemented a level-two emergency response in the Pearl River Delta, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The national weather office has issued alerts across central Guangdong, warning of continued rainfall and major storms. The provincial hydrology bureau predicts flooding in the Bei River basin, an event that occurs approximately once a century, with water levels expected to rise significantly in the coming days.
While mass evacuations have not been deemed necessary at this time, residents are urged to remain vigilant as severe weather conditions persist. Neighboring areas, including Jiangxi and Fujian, are also expected to experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
These extreme weather events underscore the challenges posed by climate change, with China facing a range of severe weather patterns in recent years. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, addressing climate change remains a critical priority for the country.
