China: Heavy rainfall and floods in southern China

Event

Torrential rain hit the coastal areas of China’s southern Guangdong province and Guangxi region on Wednesday, May 24, with flooding reported in many low-lying areas of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Huizhou. Guangdong province’s meteorological authority issued several rainfall warnings, including a “high” alert for downpours and thunderstorms.

Nearly 20 cm (8 in) of rain was recorded in the Conghua district of Guangzhou between the late afternoon of Tuedsay, May 23, and early Wednesday morning. Many districts in Guangzhou, including Tianhe, Haizhu, Yuexiu, and Liwan, initiated their disaster response emergency mechanism and severe traffic disruptions due to floods were reported on major roads.
Shenzhen province also activated its emergency response mechanism and schools were closed in Haizhu.

Further rainfall is forecast in Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Chongqing provinces. Hunan, Guangxi and Guangdong will be exposed to particularly heavy rainfall (up to 24 cm [9.5 in]); further flooding is likely.

Context

Southern China has entered its annual rainy season, with monsoons regularly impacting the southern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan through June before the rain blows northward.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather forecasts and to follow any instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). 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.