At least 47 lives have been lost in Guangdong province, southern China, due to devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, as reported by state media. The fatalities include 38 individuals in Meizhou city, where earlier reports confirmed nine deaths.
From Sunday to Tuesday, relentless downpours unleashed havoc across the region, leading to widespread landslides and inundations. Authorities have issued warnings anticipating further flooding in various parts of the country, compounding the ongoing rescue efforts amidst increasingly challenging conditions.
The scale of destruction is staggering, affecting over 55,000 people and causing substantial damage to homes and infrastructure. Preliminary estimates indicate significant economic losses, with Jiaoling county alone facing losses amounting to $503 million and Meixian district estimating losses potentially reaching $146 million.
CCTV has described this catastrophe as a "once-in-a-century" disaster, unparalleled in historical records. The impact is vividly illustrated by the complete collapse of roads in Meixian district and the unprecedented flooding of the Songyuan river, marking the highest water levels on record.
As southern China grapples with torrential rains, northern regions have been experiencing scorching temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The National Meteorological Centre has issued alerts for additional torrential rains and extreme weather across several southern and a few northern provinces, forecasting rainfall of 50mm to 80mm (1.97 to 3.15 inches) within a single day in Henan, Anhui, and Hubei provinces.
Last week, southern Fujian and Guangxi provinces also faced severe weather conditions, including landslides and floods, resulting in tragic fatalities such as that of a student in Guangxi.
Scientists attribute the increased frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to climate change, exacerbated by the emission of greenhouse gases. China, as the world's largest emitter, plays a crucial role in global efforts to mitigate climate impacts.
The ongoing catastrophe underscores the urgent need for coordinated disaster response and long-term climate resilience strategies. As the nation mourns the loss of lives and assesses the extensive damage, the focus remains on immediate relief efforts and implementing sustainable measures to safeguard vulnerable communities from future calamities.
