China: Flooding ongoing due to heavy rainfall across southern regions as of June 16 /update 2

Event

Severe flooding due to continuous heavy rainfall continues to cause disruptions across parts of southern China as of June 16. The flooding has caused multiple fatalities, affected hundreds of thousands of people, and forced many to leave their homes in recent weeks. Further adverse weather is forecast in the coming days, which will likely exacerbate the situation due to overflowing rivers.

As of June 16, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue rainstorm warning across most of Guangdong, central and northern Guangxi, Fujian, southern and eastern Guizhou, western and southern Hunan, southern Jiangxi, northwestern Yunnan, and southeastern Tibet provinces. Rainfall totals of 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) are possible in the affected area. The heavy downpours may be accompanied by thunderstorm activity and strong winds. A yellow landslide warning (the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale) has been issued for parts of northern and southwestern Fujian, southern Jiangxi, central and eastern Guangdong, northeastern Guangxi, southern and western Yunnan, and southeastern parts of Tibet Autonomous Region. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Authorities have reported three weather-related fatalities in Fujian Province and two fatalities due to a landslide in Jiangxi Province following heavy rainfall in the region over recent days. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected and over 100,000 evacuated due to flooding in parts of Jiangxi and more than 80,000 evacuated in Fujian. A further 17 fatalities have been reported and hundreds of thousands of people affected due to flooding and landslides in Guangxi and Hunan provinces over the past week. Flooding and landslides have blocked numerous roads across southern China, as well as forcing authorities to close schools in some parts of the region. Heavy rainfall in the coming days is forecast to lead to a further rise in the main rivers of the Pearl River Basin and across other rivers in southern China.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

China Meteorological Administration
China Ministry of Water Resources