China Floods Worsen: Thousands Evacuated, More Heavy Rain Ahead

Relentless rain persists in China, with predicted downpours next 48 hours. 3,000+ evacuated in Hunan due to floods.

^{_{Rescue workers aid flooded street evacuations in Beihai, China, after heavy rainfall in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo: Reuters)}}

Chinese weather forecasters have issued warnings of torrential rain and flash floods in multiple provinces over the next two days, as continuous downpours afflict the nation.

In response to heavy rains that pounded Sangzhi, Shimen, Yongshun counties, and Zhangjiajie City in northwestern Hunan province, over 3,000 people were evacuated during the weekend. Sangzhi recorded its highest rainfall in years, with 256 mm (10.07 inches) falling overnight from Saturday to Sunday. This marked the most extensive and widespread rainfall since 1998, according to China Central Television.

China has endured weeks of relentless rains and flooding during an unusually wet summer. In late July, Typhoon Dokusri brought record-breaking rains to China, with Beijing experiencing its heaviest rainfall in 140 years.

With Typhoon Saola approaching the South China Sea, the Chinese government has called for increased flood precautions, with forecasts suggesting a possible landfall in Guangdong province on Friday, September 1.

_{^{Traffic officer uses rope to assist residents crossing flooded road in Zhengzhou, Henan, China amid heavy rainfall. (Photo: Reuters)}}

On August 26, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management organized a video conference, warning of potential geological disasters like mountain torrents and river floods in some smaller rivers due to heavy rainfall in various parts of the country.

The path of Typhoon Saola remains uncertain, according to the China Meteorological Administration, but it is expected to bring heavy rainfall to coastal areas, including Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, from Wednesday to Friday.

Fujian has initiated an emergency response to Saola, instructing fishing boats in certain waters to return to nearby harbors and all personnel on board to evacuate ashore by Wednesday noon, as reported by local media.

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Toshika Chauhan