China Floods Killed 4: Deadly Toll in Southern China
China Floods Killed 4 and 10 others were reported missing. The floods, which primarily affected cities in the densely populated Pearl River Delta, have sparked concerns about the region’s preparedness for increasingly severe deluges triggered by extreme weather events.
China Floods Killed 4: Record Rainfall Sparks Massive Evacuations
Since Thursday, the region has experienced unprecedented levels of rainfall, prompting authorities to evacuate approximately 110,000 people in Guangdong province alone. Another 25,800 individuals have sought refuge in emergency shelters. In Guangzhou, the provincial capital, the cumulative rainfall for April reached 60.9cm, marking the highest monthly total since record-keeping began in 1959.
Guangdong province, often referred to as the “factory floor of the world,” is no stranger to summer floods. However, the region’s flood defences were severely tested in June 2022 when it experienced the heaviest downpours in six decades, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. The current flooding has ushered in an earlier-than-normal start to the annual flooding season, underscoring the challenges faced by the province in managing extreme weather events.
Climate Crisis Intensifies Extreme Weather in China
Scientists have linked the intensification and unpredictability of weather events in China to global warming. The country has witnessed an increase in record-breaking rainfall and droughts, impacting its economy and infrastructure. The recent floods in Guangdong are a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved weather defences and adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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Residents Left Counting Losses After Floods Claim Lives
In the aftermath of the floods, residents are left to deal with the devastating impact on their lives and livelihoods. One farmer in Qingyuan estimated his losses at about 100,000 yuan ($13,800) after his rice fields were completely flooded. With no prospect of reimbursement for their losses, residents like him face an uncertain future as they grapple with the aftermath of the floods.As China continues to face the challenges posed by extreme weather events, the importance of implementing effective disaster preparedness and mitigation measures becomes increasingly apparent. The recent floods serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive action to protect lives and livelihoods in the face of a changing climate.
