Heavy rains in China, worst floods of the century
Last Updated on April 23, 2024 2:12 am
Heavy rains in China over the past few days have caused severe flooding in the country’s Guangdong province. As a result, around 60,000 people have been safely evacuated from their homes by local authorities. Besides, 11 people are missing so far, but no casualty has been reported.
Footage published on Chinese state media and online on Monday (April 22) showed floods inundating large parts of Guangdong and rescuers pulling people to safety in lifeboats in waist-deep water. Several major rivers also breached their banks.
12 crore 7 lakh people are facing the risk of severe floods due to the water of some rivers flowing over the danger line. The government had to plan to take emergency measures on Sunday (April 21) to protect them.
China’s state-run CCTV News reported on Sunday that water levels in some parts of the river and tributary basins of Xinjiang and Beijing had risen to a level that is rare, with local weather officials describing the situation as “horrendous”. This is likely to happen once in 50 years.
Meanwhile, the worst affected by the floods were the provincial capital Guangzhou, as well as the smaller towns of Shaoguan and Heyuan. Incessant rain caused flight cancellations and delays at Baiyun International Airport in the capital city of Guangzhou. School closures have also been ordered in at least three cities in the province.
Several houses have collapsed and cars have been washed away across the province. In total, the provincial administration estimates that the floods could cause financial losses of about 140.6 million yuan ($19.8 million).
Earlier, local authorities warned that the water level of a river in northern Guangdong could reach its highest level in a century on Monday morning, causing major damage to surrounding areas. However, till the time of writing this report, no big wave has been reported.
As most of Guangdong is low-lying, low rainfall or rising sea levels can submerge, resulting in flooding. The province is also one of the most densely populated areas in China. About 13 crore people live here. Guangdong is one of China’s main export centers as well as one of its commercial and business centers.