China has issued its highest storm warning in parts of flood-ravaged Guangdong province. Emergency plans have been activated in southern China, with more than 100,000 people moved to safety.

Guangdong Province

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

Thousands of individuals have been displaced in southern China due to severe torrential rains, prompting the issuance of the highest storm warning in the Guangdong province. In response to the unprecedented weather event, emergency protocols have been activated across the region. More than 100,000 residents have been evacuated to safer locations, highlighting the severity of the flooding.

The impact of the relentless downpour in Guangdong province has been significant, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The floods washed away vehicles, destroyed roads, and obliterated crops, leaving the affected communities in despair. One farmer recounted the loss of seeds and extensive damage to several hectares of farmland, amounting to a financial loss of over $13,000. According to reports, the overall damage caused by the storms is estimated to be almost $20 million.

Guangdong, one of China's most populated provinces and a key manufacturing hub, is particularly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Pearl River Delta. The region's vulnerability to rising sea levels and increased frequency of climate change-induced weather events has been underscored by this disaster. The severity of the situation is evident, with dozens of rivers overflowing and compelling 110,000 people to seek refuge away from their homes.

The ongoing situation has led to the closure of schools and businesses in several cities within the province, as authorities and the community brace for more powerful storms anticipated in the coming days. The recent events have not only disrupted lives but have also prompted a reassessment of the region's preparedness for such extreme weather conditions.



Thousands displaced as torrential rains ravage southern China

Trapped by torrential rains in southern China, this elderly man had to be carried to safety. Emergency services are looking for several people still missing, after unseasonal rains lashed Guangdong province for days. The force of the floodwaters took many by surprise, sweeping away cars, damaging roads and destroying crops. Experts say rain like this hasn't been seen in nearly a century. Everything's gone. All the seeds are gone. I lost more than $13,000. Our fields over there, several hectares, all flooded. The storms have already caused damage worth almost $20 million, according to some estimates. One of the most densely populated provinces, Guangdong is home to many of China's factories. It sits on the Pearl River Delta, making it vulnerable to the rise in sea levels and climate change-induced weather events, which are happening more frequently. Dozens of rivers bursting their banks have forced 110,000 people to move to safety. I live here. It's all flooded. Schools and businesses have closed in many cities as they brace for more powerful storms forecast for later this week. Ibtisam Genfud, Al Jazeera.

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Climate Crisis