Recent downpours in southern China's Guangdong province have resulted in at least 47 fatalities, according to state media reports. The extreme weather conditions have caused widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides, particularly impacting eight townships in Pingyuan county.
The heavy rains, which peaked on Sunday with an average rainfall of 199 mm (7.83 inches) and reaching 365.7 mm (14.4 inches) in one town, have led to significant infrastructure damage. Approximately 356 kilometers (221 miles) of roads have been destroyed, over a hundred bridges have been damaged, and farmland has been flooded.
Meizhou city, specifically the Meixian district and Jiaoling County, has reported a total of nine deaths due to the severe weather. The Songyuan river in Meizhou experienced its largest recorded flood, further exacerbating the situation.
The economic impact of the disaster is substantial, with an estimated direct loss of 3.65 billion yuan ($502 million) in Jiaoling county and 1.06 billion yuan ($146 million) in Meixian district.
Looking ahead, the National Meteorological Center has issued warnings for several provinces in southern China, as well as specific areas in the north. Provinces such as Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Guizhou are expected to face hail and strong thunderstorms, with rainfall reaching up to 80 mm (3.14 inches) in a single day.
This recent bout of extreme weather follows similar incidents in southern Fujian and Guangxi provinces last week, where landslides and flooding claimed lives. The authorities are urging residents in the affected regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
