China gears up for ‘once a century’ floods amid heavy rainfall

China is bracing itself for potentially catastrophic floods described as "once a century" events due to heavy rainfall. Authorities are mobilizing resources and implementing measures to mitigate the anticipated impact on communities and infrastructure. This proactive response underscores the severity of the situation and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

State media in China has issued warnings regarding the imminent threat of severe floods in select regions of southern China. These floods, described as occurring roughly once every hundred years, are anticipated to result from heavy rainfall in the area.

Since Thursday, extensive downpours have engulfed vast swathes of Guangdong province, triggering the swelling of rivers within the Pearl River Delta. This region serves as a pivotal manufacturing hub in China, heightening concerns over the potential impact of the floods on industrial activities and infrastructure.

Weather advisories have been issued across substantial portions of central Guangdong, as the national meteorological agency has raised alarms about the looming threat of severe storms along the coast. These advisories are in effect until Monday evening, signaling the persistence of hazardous weather conditions in the region.

State broadcaster CCTV has aired aerial footage capturing the grim reality of the flooding crisis in certain towns, where murky floodwaters have risen perilously close to street level. Low-lying buildings have been engulfed by the deluge, offering a stark contrast against the backdrop of a towering pagoda standing amidst the inundation.

CCTV, citing the provincial hydrology bureau, reports that three locations within the Bei River basin are poised to bear the brunt of flooding of a magnitude occurring roughly once every century. Heavy precipitation is cited as the primary catalyst for this alarming situation. Starting early Monday morning, these areas are expected to witness floodwaters surging to heights reaching up to 5.8 meters (19 feet) above the designated warning level.

Furthermore, several other regions are bracing themselves for floods of a magnitude typically experienced once every 50 years, underscoring the widespread nature and severity of the unfolding crisis.

The Pearl River Delta, home to approximately 127 million people in Guangdong province alone, stands as one of China's most densely populated regions, amplifying concerns over the impact of the ongoing flooding crisis.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or widespread evacuations.

In response to the unfolding crisis, authorities in Guangdong have activated a level-three emergency response, marking the second-lowest level in a four-tier system, as reported by CCTV.

Moreover, the crisis extends beyond Guangdong's borders, with parts of neighboring provinces such as Jiangxi and Fujian also bracing for severe rainstorms on Sunday evening, further exacerbating the region's plight.

China has been no stranger to extreme weather events, but recent years have seen the nation contending with a series of severe floods, prolonged droughts, and unprecedented heatwaves. This trend of escalating weather extremes can largely be attributed to climate change, fueled by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, China holds the title of the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, further underscoring its role in exacerbating climate-related challenges both domestically and globally.

Source: wionews‍