19.06.2025

"Floods Displace Thousands in Guangdong Province"

BEIJING (AP) — Rescue workers used rubber dinghies to evacuate people and deliver food and water Wednesday after floodwaters overwhelmed towns in southern China’s Guangdong province

Rescue efforts are underway in southern China's Guangdong province, where floodwaters have inundated towns following days of heavy rain. Emergency workers utilized rubber dinghies to evacuate residents and supply food and water to those stranded by the disaster.

In Huaiji County, approximately 30,000 individuals have been evacuated as the flooding worsened. According to state broadcaster CCTV, more than half of the county's roadways are submerged, leading to widespread outages of both power and internet services.

The situation escalated when the Suijiang River overflowed in urban areas, transforming significant portions of streets into waterways. Aerial footage captured the scene, revealing high-rise apartment buildings and lush greenery emerging from muddy floodwaters. In some locations, the water levels rose to halfway up the first floors, rendering only the tops of cars visible above the surface.

Huaiji County, situated near the border with the Guangxi region, is located about 140 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Guangzhou, which serves as the capital of Guangdong and is a major industrial and port city. The region experienced heavy rainfall due to Tropical Storm Wutip, followed by monsoon rains that have exacerbated the flooding issues. Tragically, five people lost their lives in Guangxi due to two landslides that were triggered by the tropical storm over the weekend.

Rescue workers have reported urgent needs, such as evacuating critically ill patients from hospitals. During an interview via livestream with the Southern Metropolis Daily, one rescue worker shared that their team had successfully delivered essential supplies, including milk powder and water, to a woman with a newborn. They also sent provisions to numerous children and elderly individuals who were sheltered in a local school.

The flooding has led to significant infrastructure challenges in the affected areas, highlighting the urgent need for continuing rescue and relief operations. Emergency services remain committed to assisting those impacted by the severe weather conditions, addressing the immediate needs of evacuees and ensuring their safety during this crisis.