In response to persistent heavy rainfall across southern China's Guangdong Province, local authorities have relocated 37,601 residents from high-risk areas, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Emergency Response Measures
A Level III flood control emergency response and a Level IV disaster relief emergency response have been activated and remain in effect as of Wednesday. Several cities, including Zhuhai and Shenzhen, have announced school suspensions. The China Railway Guangzhou Group has adjusted train schedules to mitigate safety risks posed by the rainfall.
Deployment of Rescue Resources
Since last Friday, the Guangdong Fire and Rescue Corps has stationed 247 firefighters, 53 fire trucks, and 37 boats in key cities on standby. The Guangdong Provincial Department of Water Resources has conducted 41,768 patrols for dykes and reservoirs. Additionally, 7,226 emergency maintenance personnel, 2,994 support vehicles, and 2,108 generators have been deployed for disaster relief. No casualties have been reported, according to the provincial emergency management department.
Weather Forecast
The provincial meteorological observatory predicts heavy to torrential rain, along with local extreme downpours, will continue affecting southern Guangdong from Wednesday to Thursday. Precipitation is expected to weaken across the province from Friday to Saturday.
Climate Change Context
According to the G20 Climate Risk Atlas, climate change is already having devastating effects in China. The report warns that without urgent emission reductions, heatwaves in China could last 1,563% longer, and heat-related excess deaths could increase by 92%. It also projects that over 25 million people could face river flooding by 2050, with river flooding costing China EUR414 billion by 2100. However, limiting temperature rise to 2°C could reduce climate impact costs from 6.33% of GDP to 2% by 2100.
