In recent days, torrential rains have hit the province of Guangdong in China, causing rivers to overflow and prompting fears of historic floods. The region, known for being the country’s wealthiest and most populous, is home to Canton, a symbol of Chinese manufacturing prowess. According to local authorities, heavy rainfall has already resulted in three deaths and 11 people missing. Over 53,000 individuals have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, with the majority coming from Qingyuan town near the Bei River.
The situation in Guangdong is expected to persist as more heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecasted for the coming days. Landslides have been reported in mountainous areas, causing injuries and trapping individuals in certain regions. State television footage shows homes being destroyed by mudslides while emergency services treat people stranded in waterlogged areas. Shenzhen city, which is home to various technology companies and borders Hong Kong, is at risk of severe weather conditions.
The extreme weather patterns that have hit southern China during the summer are not new. However, recent events have raised concerns about climate change. Scientists attribute the increasingly severe weather events to climate change, warning of more frequent and intense storms in the future. With major rivers and reservoirs reaching dangerously high water levels due to heavy rainfall, over 127 million people are at risk in Guangdong province alone.
The Xijiang and Beijiang river basins along with their tributaries are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to their location near mountainous regions where landslides can occur easily.
In conclusion, Guangdong province remains on high alert as it faces imminent danger from torrential rains that could lead to historic floods. The province’s rich history and economic importance make it crucial for authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of its residents while also addressing long-term implications of climate change on future extreme weather events.
