Floods have engulfed cities in southern China’s densely populated Pearl River Delta after record-breaking rainfall, raising concerns about the region’s ability to withstand increasingly severe weather events.
Guangdong province, known for its industrial might, is no stranger to summer floods, but the recent deluge has tested its defenses to the limit.
Early Onset of Flooding Season
Since Thursday, Guangdong has experienced unusually heavy, persistent rainfall, with powerful storms triggering an early start to the province’s annual flooding season, typically occurring in May and June.
In Qingyuan, a city of 4 million, residents like 61-year-old farmer Huang Jingrong are grappling with the aftermath. “My rice fields are completely submerged; my fields are gone,” he lamented, estimating his losses at around 100,000 yuan ($13,800).
Across Qingyuan, waterways have overflowed, inundating homes and fields. Rescuers have been working tirelessly to evacuate residents, while others remain trapped in their homes, awaiting receding waters.
Climate Change Intensifies Weather Events
Scientists attribute the increasing intensity and unpredictability of weather events in China to global warming. Record-breaking rainfall and drought have become more frequent, often occurring simultaneously.
Many parts of Guangdong have broken April precipitation records, with cities like Shaoguan, Zhaoqing, and Jiangmen experiencing extensive flooding.
Death Toll and Economic Impact
As of Monday, the downpours have tragically claimed four lives, with 10 people still missing, according to the state-owned Xinhua News Agency. The floods have also caused significant damage, with 36 houses collapsed and 48 severely damaged, resulting in a direct economic loss of nearly 140.6 million yuan.
While the floods have caused widespread disruption, some companies have reported minimal impact on their operations and supply chains. Camelot PCB, a supplier to Tesla, and Polyrocks Chemical, a supplier to tech giants like Apple, Huawei, and Samsung, have confirmed that their operations continue as usual.
Ongoing Flooding and Meteorological Factors
Many rivers remain swollen, exceeding safety thresholds, with rainfall in recent days reaching two to three times the normal levels for this time of year. Chinese meteorologists attribute this intense convective weather to a stronger-than-usual subtropical high, which has drawn in moisture-laden air from the South China Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
As the climate continues to change, China faces the challenge of adapting its infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to cope with more frequent and severe extreme weather events. The recent floods in Guangdong underscore the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to protect lives and livelihoods.