Devastating Floods Ravage Southern China, Displacing Thousands

Torrential rains have unleashed widespread destruction across southern China, submerging homes, sweeping away vehicles, and severely disrupting infrastructure, according to state media reports. The relentless downpours, which began last week, have claimed at least 47 lives and left 38 people missing, CCTV reported. The storms have caused landslides, flash floods, and mudslides, devastating eight townships in Guangdong and Fujian provinces.

In Meizhou’s Jiaoling County, five fatalities were reported, with economic losses estimated at 3.65 billion yuan ($502 million), CCTV stated. Meixian district recorded four deaths and damages amounting to 1.06 billion yuan ($146 million). The Songyuan River, flowing through Meizhou, experienced its largest recorded flood, exacerbating the destruction. Collapsed homes, toppled trees, and a completely destroyed road to Meixian underscored the severity of the deluge, which peaked from Sunday to Tuesday.

The National Meteorological Center issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall in southern provinces, with some northern regions also facing extreme weather. The floods have damaged over 356 kilometers of roads, more than 100 bridges, and vast swathes of farmland, CCTV reported. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams working to locate missing individuals and assist displaced residents.