Rescuers in Guangdong province evacuated residents by boat on Monday, some elderly carried by piggyback. They also used helicopters to rescue villagers from landslides. This comes as the province faces an early start to its flood season due to severe storms.
Local Impact and Concerns
The floods were less severe than in 2022, but Qingyuan residents like Song Xiaowei remain concerned. Some moved their belongings to higher ground, while others monitored rivers to prevent overflow. The Bei River flooded homes and businesses over the weekend.
Historical Context and Increasing Intensity
Lin Xiuzheng from Qingyuan noted a significant rise in rainfall intensity and frequency. Scientists link these changes to global warming, which is causing unpredictable and intense weather patterns in China, affecting both the economy and daily life.
Economic and Structural Damage
In Guangdong, 36 houses collapsed and 48 were heavily damaged, resulting in an economic loss of about 140.6 million yuan ($19.4 million). Major firms like Camelot PCB and Polyrocks Chemical reported no immediate operational impacts.
Military Involvement and Ongoing Risks
The Chinese military helped clear roads. Though the rains eased, many rivers are still dangerously high. Schools were closed early Monday for safety. Meteorologists say a strong subtropical high is pulling more moisture into the region, and expect thunderstorms to return later in the week.
Conclusion
As southern China continues to experience severe weather, the resilience of its infrastructure and emergency systems is critically tested, highlighting the need for enhanced adaptation and preparedness against climate change.
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