China: Severe weather forecast to continue across southern regions through at least June 20

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of southern China through at least June 20. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region in recent days, leading to flooding and associated disruptions across parts of the affected area. Authorities have reported at least four fatalities, and two others are missing due to landslides in Wuping County, Fujian Province, following heavy rainfall on June 16. More than 47,000 people have been affected by the adverse weather across Wuping County. Damage to roads and power outages have also been reported in Shanghang County, Fujian Province. One person was also killed due to flooding in Guilin City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Ministry of Water Resources initiated a level four (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) flood defense emergency response across Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guizhou and Yunnan provinces June 14, whilst Fujian Province raised their response to level three. A level four response was also initiated in Guangdong Province on June 15. Passenger train services have been disrupted in parts of Fujian and Jiangxi provinces in recent days due to flooding.

As of June 17, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued orange heavy rain warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of the affected area through June 18. Short-term downpours of more than 8 cm (3.1 inches) in the space of a few hours are possible in parts of the region and rainfall totals of 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) are possible in northeastern Guangxi. Due to the heavy rainfall, the CMA has also issued orange and yellow flood warnings across parts of central Jiangxi, northwestern Fujian, southwestern Hunan, and northern and central Guangxi, as well as orange and yellow landslide warnings across parts of southern Zhejiang, western and eastern Jiangxi, southwestern and northern Fujian, eastern and southwestern Hunan, northeastern Guangdong, northern Guangxi, and southeastern Guizhou. Further moderate-to-heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of the affected area through at least June 20.

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.

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 along the east coast 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.