Since 24 June, Guizhou province in southwest China has been hit by massive floods. Rongjiang city has witnessed its worst flooding in decades. Water flow in the Liu River has surged over 80 times the usual rate. On 25 June, floodwaters rose more than 4 metres above the danger mark, submerging parts of Meilin township.
As of 26 June, six fatalities have been confirmed by the authorities. Over 80,000 people have evacuated their homes due to severe flooding.
Water levels have since started to recede. Emergency teams are clearing silt, restoring services, and pumping out water from affected areas.
In response to the worsening conditions, Guizhou authorities have issued a Level III emergency alert at 1400 hours local time on 25 June.
However, a tropical depression has made landfall in Hainan on 26 June and is expected to bring more rainfall to Guangxi and Guangdong. Both the regions are still recovering from the impact of Typhoon Wutip which hit in mid-June.
Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather. These events highlight the urgent need to strengthen early-warning systems, improve infrastructure, and focus more support on vulnerable rural areas.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: The article has reference to open sources including the Reuters, Xinhua, and Financial Post.