Record rainfall in China causes chaos
Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in southern China. Cars have been swept away, towns have had to be evacuated and people are missing. The situation remains tense.
Entire cities under water
Dramatic scenes unfolded in southwestern China on Tuesday after heavy monsoon rains flooded streets in several cities. Bridges collapsed, shopping centers were flooded and people are reported missing. In many regions of China, the rains have been going on for about a week.
Rescue efforts underway
Rescue workers push boats carrying residents through murky, knee-high water in Rongjiang County. "The water rose very quickly," resident Long Tian said. "I stayed on the third floor waiting for rescue." By Tuesday afternoon, around 80,000 people in the southwestern province of Guizhou had been brought to safety, according to the state news agency Xinhua.
Dangerous rescue operation
A flooded section of road in Rongjiang County. Elsewhere in Guizhou Province, a highway bridge collapsed, leaving a truck hanging precariously over the edge. The local fire department managed to rescue the driver.
Tens of thousands flee
The neighboring region of Guangxi was also hit by flooding. State media published videos showing rescue workers bringing residents to safety. Nearly 70,000 people in southern China were relocated a few days earlier after severe flooding caused by Typhoon Wutip.
Monsoon floods put China on alert
Although monsoon rains are common in Asia, the current severity of the flooding has hit the regions unexpectedly hard. Last week, Chinese authorities issued the first red alerts of the year for mountain streams in six regions — the highest warning level in the country's four-tier warning system.
Consequences of climate change
Climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gases, is leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. In Beijing, the second-highest heat warning was issued this week on one of the hottest days. 2024 was the hottest in China since records began.