Severe Flooding Displaces Over 80,000 in Southwest China Amid Extreme Weather

Severe Flooding Displaces Over 80,000 in Southwest China Amid Extreme Weather
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More than 80,000 people have been displaced by severe flooding in China’s southwestern province of Guizhou, state media reported on Wednesday, as the country grapples with a summer of extreme weather. According to Xinhua News Agency, approximately 80,900 residents were evacuated by Tuesday afternoon due to continuous heavy rainfall.

In Rongjiang County, floodwaters submerged a football field under three meters of water. Dramatic footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed collapsed infrastructure, including a bridge, and emergency crews rescuing stranded residents. In one case, a truck driver was pulled to safety after becoming trapped on a broken bridge segment.

Residents described the water rising rapidly, forcing many to seek shelter on higher floors before being rescued. Emergency teams used boats and drones to deliver essential supplies, including rice, to affected areas. Flooding has also impacted neighboring Guangxi and Hunan provinces, where tens of thousands were relocated in recent days. Typhoon Wutip previously triggered mass evacuations in southern China.

Meanwhile, other regions are facing heatwaves, prompting Beijing to issue its second-highest heat alert. Authorities have warned of increased risk of mountain torrents, citing climate change as a contributing factor to the intensifying weather patterns. China continues efforts to balance emissions reduction with renewable energy development.