China: Heavy downpours in Guangdong province prompt evacuations May 7

Event

Thousands of Guangdong residents were evacuated on Sunday, May 7, after intense rainstorms hit northern areas of the provincial capital Guangzhou, as well as most of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Sunday's deluge caused landslides in mountainous areas and flash flooding in Guangzhou's Zengcheng, Huadu, Panyu, and Huangpu districts, which prompted authorities to issue the first red alert of the year for flooding. Hundreds of houses collapsed under the heavy downpours in Guangzhou. Flooding reached a height of 3 m (9.8 ft) in Zengcheng district, forcing residents to move to the upper floors of their houses. No casualties were reported.

Context

The Guangdong Meteorological Bureau is forecasting similar rainstorms to continue through May 14 in southern China. Guangdong and Guangxi residents were asked to prepare for further flooding in the coming months, as southern China has entered its annual flood season.

Advice

Individuals present in Guangdong and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor any relevant developments to the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.