China: Disruptions due to severe flooding ongoing across southern regions as of June 21 /update 3

Event

Severe flooding continues to impact many parts of southern China as of June 21. Continuous heavy rainfall over recent weeks has led to many rivers across the region rising to dangerously high levels. 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 21, the China Meteorological Administration and the Ministry of Natural Resources have jointly issued a landslide warning for parts of western Zhejiang, southern Anhui, northern Fujian, northern and southwestern Jiangxi, eastern Hubei, southern Hunan, western and northeastern China, northern Guangdong, northern Guangxi, and southeastern Guizhou provinces. Orange early warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) have been issued for parts of western Zhejiang, southern Anhui, northern Jiangxi, northern Guangxi, and southeastern Guizhou and yellow warnings are in place across other parts of the affected area. Regional and local meteorological observatories have issued several weather warnings ranging from blue to red severity (the lowest to the highest levels on a four-tier scale) for heavy rainfall, lightning, thunderstorms, landslides, hail, and strong winds across the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Authorities in Jiangxi Province have raised the alert level for flooding to red (the highest level on a four-tier scale) as of June 20. Around 485,000 people across nine districts of the province have been impacted by flooding in recent weeks. Authorities in Guangdong Province have reported that over 200,000 people have been evacuated due to flooding since late May. One of the worst-affected areas of the province has been Shaoguan City, where the flood alert level has also been raised to the highest level. Authorities in Fujian province have evacuated over 220,000 people due to flooding and at least 21 flood-related fatalities have been reported in Hubei Province since early June. Flooding and landslides also led to at least 17 fatalities across Guangxi and Hunan provinces June 9-16.

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