At Least 17 People Dead After Intense Flood Hits China

Rainfall totals in portions of southern China have surpassed a foot this week, and AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the downpour, which is likely due to annual local weather phenomena, is far from ended.

(Photo : Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo taken on June 5, 2022 shows a worker using a bulldozer to clear a flooded street caused by heavy rains in Rongan in China's southern Guangxi region

Series of Rain

This week, an onslaught of torrential rain has caused flash floods and landslides in parts of central and southern China. At least 17 people have died from the storm, and AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the downpour is far from done.

Flooding China

(Photo : Photo by AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo taken on June 5, 2022 shows people clearing a flooded street caused by heavy rains in Rongan in China's southern Guangxi region.

The Chinese province of Hunan and the southern Guangxi and Guandong areas have been particularly heavily impacted recently. Since June 5, weather stations in these locations have reported 8-16 inches (205-405 mm) of rain, with locally greater quantities. According to local news outlets, several stations are seeing unprecedented rainfall amounts.

According to The Associated Press, flooding has affected 1.8 million people in Hunan alone, with roughly 300,000 forced to flee to safety (AP). Over 2,700 houses have been damaged or destroyed.

The Associated Press said that entire hillsides broke way in Beiliu City, approximately 250 miles west of Hong Kong in the Guangxi region, where rescue attempts were underway Thursday to look for survivors. At least one person survived the landslides, while three others have been confirmed deceased, with another still missing.

Local Weather Phenomenon

The severe rainfall is likely the consequence of a local weather phenomenon known as the Meiyu or Baiu front, according to AccuWeather Lead International Forecaster Jason Nicholls, who warned about the flood danger in China as early as June 2.

"This front heralds the beginning of the summer monsoon in East Asia," Nicholls added. From late May to early June, the monsoon moves northward through southeastern China on average.

A Gloomy Forecast

Forecasters warn that the downpour will continue to threaten lives and property in the region.

"The potential of heavy rain and more floods across southern China appears to remain through early next week," Nicholls warned. "Rain could clear up around mid-week, but heavy rain might return by the weekend."

Also Read: Atmospheric River Rages Towards the Pacific Northwest

Flood Consequences

(Photo : Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

Flooding results from a brief overflow of water into typically dry ground. In the United States, floods are the most prevalent natural catastrophe. Injuries or deaths might result from failing to flee flooded regions or entering waters.

Floods can cause:

Rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and dam and other water system overflows are all possible causes.
Slowly or swiftly develop. Floods may strike without notice.
Cause power outages, traffic disruptions, building damage, and landslides.

Surviving Floods

Understand your flood risk. To learn about the many types of flood risks in your region, go to FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Register for your neighborhood's warning system. Emergency notifications are also provided through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.

Make a plan for your home, including your pets, while preparing for a flood so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you'll need to protect yourself from flooding. Evacuation routes, shelter arrangements, and flash flood responses should all be learned and practiced. Gather nonperishable meals, cleaning materials, and water for several days in case you must leave right away or if your area's services are shut off.

Keep essential documents in a waterproof container in case of emergency. Make password-protected digital copies. Keep your things safe-Transfer essential items to higher tiers. Drains and gutters should be cleaned. Check valves should be installed. Consider a battery-powered sump pump.