More than 80,000 residents have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in China’s southwestern Guizhou province following days of continuous heavy rainfall and rising river levels. Local authorities confirmed that as of Tuesday afternoon, mass evacuation efforts were underway in the counties of Rongjiang and Congjiang as floodwaters continued to rise. In Rongjiang county, approximately 48,900 people have been relocated to temporary shelters after torrential rains caused significant flooding.
The county, located along the Duliu River, recorded water levels exceeding warning thresholds by 6.68 meters as of Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Authorities have raised the flood control emergency response to Level I, the highest classification in China’s four-tier system, signaling the severity of the situation. Congjiang county, situated nearby, has also been severely impacted, with around 32,000 residents evacuated. The heavy rainfall, combined with inflows from upstream, has contributed to widespread inundation across low-lying areas, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.
Emergency teams, including firefighters and civilian volunteers, have been deployed across both counties to assist with evacuations, provide relief supplies, and operate rescue boats in submerged neighborhoods. The flooding has also impacted local infrastructure and recreational facilities. In Rongjiang, a football stadium used for the popular Cun Chao rural football league has been submerged under approximately three meters of water. The league, featuring over 100 village teams, has attracted spectators from across the country in recent years, underscoring the cultural significance of the venue now underwater.
Severe flooding forces mass evacuations across Guizhou, China
Elsewhere in Guizhou, heavy rain has triggered landslides, contributing to additional infrastructure damage. In Sandu county, part of a bridge on an expressway collapsed as a result of rain-induced landslides. Local authorities have reported no casualties from the incident so far, though transportation in the affected area has been disrupted. Meteorological departments have issued further warnings for the region, with forecasts indicating continued rainfall in parts of Guizhou province. Officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and comply with evacuation orders.
Temporary shelters and emergency resources have been established to accommodate displaced residents and mitigate the impact of the disaster. Flooding and landslides are common in parts of China during the summer months, particularly in mountainous and riverine regions such as Guizhou. Local authorities are maintaining heightened emergency response measures as the situation develops, while rescue operations remain ongoing. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.