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Torrential rains continue to rampage in south-western China, where torrents have brought extensive flooding to the Guizhou province, relocating thousands and prompting evacuations. As rivers swollen by the deluges overflowed in townships of Congjiang and Rongjiang, local authorities issued emergency notices of increased landslides and flash floods as they predicted continuous storms.
Mass Evacuations Triggered by Rising Waters
Excess rainfall of over 200 mm (nearly 8 inches) has fallen in parts of Guizhou within the past 72 hours, and rivers like the Duliu and Qingshui have overflowed into neighboring villages. The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management says that more than 25,000 locals have been moved to safety as emergency crews work day and night to bring relief and restore power to the affected areas.
"We are doing all we can to provide accommodations, food, and treatment for internally displaced persons," Rongjiang disaster relief official Li Zhenhua stated. "The water moved too fast, and many villages were unprepared."
Infrastructure Crippled, Transport Disrupted
Transportation infrastructures within the region have also taken a serious hit. Roads have been washed out, and rail services along mountainous routes were suspended. The heavy rain also cut off communication lines in many townships, which hindered rescue operations.
Bridges, fields, and homes have been demolished, with preliminary estimates calculating economic damage at more than 200 million yuan (approximately \$28 million USD). More disaster relief teams and rescue boats have been dispatched into the region by the government to help reach stranded villages that are inaccessible overland.
Weather Warnings Still Active
China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a red alert — the highest level — for the region, predicting more heavy rain this weekend. Flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion are also expected to intensify, particularly in mountains.
"There is a high risk of secondary disasters triggered by the saturated ground and the continuing rain," CMA spokesman Zhang Xiaoping warned.
Climate and Urbanization Issues
Environmental authorities blame the increasing trend of climate to be a reason, coupled with urban development in flood-prone regions. "Southwest China is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, and city expansion into river basins worsened the impact," said Dr. Lin Qiao, a Peking University hydrologist.
This latest tragedy is a stark reminder of China's ongoing struggle with climate resilience and disaster preparedness in rural and semi-urban communities.
Related Articles:
- Reuters: Heavy rain leaves southwest China under water
- China Meteorological Administration – Current Weather Alerts
- Ministry of Emergency Management of China