RONGJIANG, China — Severe flooding across China’s Guizhou Province has forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 people and submerged entire communities in what officials are calling the worst flooding on record for the region.
The crisis began on June 22 and reached its peak between June 24-25, when the Duliu River surged to an unprecedented flow rate of 11,400 cubic meters per second, shattering all previous historical records. The hardest-hit areas include Rongjiang and Congjiang counties, where approximately 50,000 residents have been relocated to emergency shelters.
Scale of the Disaster
Meteorologists have classified the flooding as a “once-in-50-year” event, with water levels far exceeding anything previously documented in the region. Aerial footage shows entire towns completely submerged, with only rooftops visible above the muddy floodwaters.
Emergency response teams are working around the clock to coordinate rescue operations and provide aid to displaced families. Local authorities report that floodwaters are now moving downstream, raising concerns about additional communities that may be in the path of the surge.
Regional Impact
The flooding extends beyond Guizhou Province, with neighboring Guangxi and Hunan provinces also experiencing significant water-related emergencies. This represents part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events that have affected multiple regions across China in recent months.
Weather experts continue to monitor the situation as communities downstream prepare for potential evacuations. The full extent of property damage and economic impact remains to be assessed as rescue operations take priority.
Response Efforts
Chinese authorities have mobilized substantial resources for disaster response, including military personnel, emergency medical teams, and logistics support for the tens of thousands of displaced residents. Temporary shelters have been established in safer areas to accommodate evacuees.
The government has not yet released preliminary damage estimates, though the scale of the flooding suggests significant infrastructure and agricultural losses across the affected regions.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
