China: Flooding ongoing due to heavy rainfall across southern regions as of June 9 /update 1

Event

Authorities have raised alert levels due to high river levels causing an increased flood risk across parts of southern China as of June 9. Further adverse weather is forecast in the coming days, which will likely exacerbate the situation due to overflowing rivers, and disruptions are ongoing due to flooding in some areas. China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters raised its emergency response level for flood control from Level IV to Level III (the third-highest level on a four-tier scale) as the beginning of the annual rainy season continues to see heavy downpours across southern regions. The Ministry of Water Resources has warned that 37 rivers are above flood warning levels and with further heavy rainfall forecast in the coming days significant flooding is possible in parts of the region.

As of June 9, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow (the second-lowest level on a four-tier scale) landslide warning for northern Fujian, southern Guangxi, southeastern Sichuan, and western Yunnan provinces. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Flooding along the Lijiang River in Guangxi Province is causing disruptions in the Guilin area. Over 300 people have been evacuated by emergency services and several roads in the areas have been inundated by flood waters.

Heavy rainfall in Hunan Province has resulted in 10 fatalities, three others missing, and more than 1.79 million people affected. Authorities have evacuated at least 286,000 people. More than 2,700 houses, as well as other infrastructure, have also been damaged. More than 800,000 people from 80 counties in Jiangxi Province were affected by the heavy rains and floods May 28 through early June 7, with around 32,000 people evacuated.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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 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 cancellations 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