In Guangdong province, which is known for being a major commercial hub in China, emergency response measures are being implemented as the Xijiang and Beijiang river basins have experienced a rare spike in water levels, increasing the risk of floods. The situation has been described as "grim" by local weather officials, prompting the provincial government to take action to protect the population and ensure disaster relief efforts are in place to provide necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
The heavy downpours and strong winds in Guangdong have resulted in significant challenges, with over 1.16 million households losing power, evacuation of tens of thousands of people, and suspension of classes in over a thousand schools. Rescue workers have been dispatched to affected areas such as Zhaoqing, Shaoguan, Qingyuan, and Jiangmen to assist with the aftermath of the severe weather conditions. Furthermore, the damage caused by the floods is not limited to infrastructure; individuals in rural areas are facing difficulties with power outages and lack of communication signals, with one user on Weibo describing Zhaoqing's Huaiji county as resembling a water town due to the flooding.
The impact of the floods extends beyond Guangdong, with neighboring Guangxi province also experiencing destructive weather patterns including hurricane-like winds, hailstones, and major flooding. Rescuers have been engaged in saving individuals stranded in floodwaters, while landslides have been reported in cities like Hezhou in Guangxi. The forecast indicates that the severe weather conditions are expected to persist in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces, emphasizing the continued threat posed by the heavy rains and flooding.