China: At least 19 killed, 30 others injured in highway collapse amid severe weather forecast to continue across southern regions through May 5 /update 3

A section of highway near Chayang Town, Dabu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, collapsed at approximately 02:10 May 1, killing at least 19 people and injuring 30 others. Severe convective weather on May 1 reportedly triggered the structure collapse which occurred on part of the S12 Guangdong Meida Expressway in Meizhou City. Localized disruptions are likely to near the incident site in the coming days.

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of southern China through at least May 5. The heaviest rainfall is expected May 3-5. As of May 1, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued the following warnings:

• Blue heavy rain and severe convective weather warning: Southeastern Guangxi, central and southern Guangdong, southern Fujian, and eastern Hainan Island. The heaviest rainfall of up to 15 cm (5.9 inches) of rainfall is forecast along the southern coast of Guangdong.

• Flood warnings: Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) warnings are in effect across parts of central and northern Guangdong Province, and yellow warnings are in effect across eastern Guangxi Province and central, northern, and eastern Guangdong Province.

• Landslide warnings: Yellow (lowest level on a three-tier scale) warnings across parts of central and eastern Guangdong Province.

Heavy rainfall since April 12 has resulted in flooding across southern China. The Beijiang River overflowed late April 20. Authorities evacuated over 82,500 people across Guangdong Province, including almost 45,000 people in Qingyuan City. At least 1.16 million people across the province were without power; authorities restored electricity in most areas April 21. At least 11 people across the province are missing as of April 22. Landslides injured six people in Jiangwan Town and trapped several others. A level-three intensity (on a five-tier scale) tornado also struck Guangzhou, Guangdong Province on April 27. The tornado killed at least five people, injured 33 others, and damaged over 141 industrial buildings.

Flight disruptions were reported at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), Zhuhai International Airport (ZUH), and Foshan Shadi Airport (FUO) in recent days. Guangzhou Railway suspended at least 62 regular-speed trains on the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and 18 regular-speed trains on the Beijing-Kowloon Railway from April 29 to May 1.

Qingyuan and Shaoguan cities also banned ships from traveling through several rivers, including the Bei and Dong rivers. More than 1,100 schools across Qingyuan, Shaoguan, and Zhaoqing cities suspended classes April 22.

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. Further landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities will likely continue to issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are probable where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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

Severe weather will probably trigger further flight and train delays and cancellations. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the east coast. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are probable 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.