Huge evacuation effort in China

 

Massive flooding in China's Guangdong province has prompted the evacuation of nearly 60,000 people as heavy rains persist. While no casualties have been reported, eleven individuals are missing. Footage shows flooded areas and rescuers using lifeboats to evacuate stranded residents. Several major rivers have overflowed, with authorities closely monitoring water levels. Although warnings of a "once in 100 years" peak have been issued for a northern Guangdong river, it has not yet occurred. The Pearl River delta, where much of Guangdong is located, is prone to flooding due to various factors including watershed floods and sea level rise. Guangdong, a major manufacturing hub and densely-populated region, has experienced power outages and school closures. Damage to homes and infrastructure has been extensive, with an estimated economic loss of nearly $19.8 million. Continuous heavy rain has led to canceled flights and disrupted transportation. Meteorological authorities predict continued heavy rain in Guangdong and neighboring Fujian provinces until at least Tuesday, with other regions also expected to experience rainstorms. Last July, Beijing and surrounding areas faced severe flooding, marking the heaviest rainfall in the Chinese capital in 140 years.