Heavy rains in southern China have led to deadly floods, putting tens of millions of people at risk. Guangdong province, home to 127 million people, has been particularly hard hit, with widespread flooding forcing over 110,000 residents to be relocated. At least four people, including a rescue worker, have been killed in Guangdong, and 10 others remain missing.
The Pearl River Delta, a manufacturing hub, has experienced record rainfall in recent days, causing 44 rivers in the basin to swell above the warning line. Authorities have issued warnings of a “once a century” flood on the Bei River, further exacerbating the situation.
Aerial footage shows villages underwater, with roofs and treetops peeking out in some places. Landslides near Shaoguan city have injured six people, adding to the toll of the natural disaster.
In response to the crisis, the flood control emergency response for the Pearl River Delta has been raised to level 2. Schools have been suspended and flights canceled in major cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Economic losses are estimated to be nearly $20 million, with further heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
The devastating floods in southern China serve as a stark reminder of the impact of the climate crisis, which is making extreme weather events deadlier and more frequent. As rescue efforts continue and residents struggle to cope with the aftermath of the floods, the entire region is facing a long road to recovery.