Red alert sounded in China amid fears of massive 'once-a-century' floods
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With the looming threat of severe flooding, which as per state media reports could be the sort only "seen around once a century," more than 100,000 people have been evacuated
In Southern China, the highest level rainstorm warning has been sounded, with torrential rains leading to swelling rivers and raising fears of severe flooding.
Once-a-century floods
With the looming threat of severe flooding, which as per state media reports could be the sort only "seen around once a century," more than 100,000 people have been evacuated.
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On Tuesday, the megacity of Shenzhen was one of the areas experiencing "heavy to very heavy downpours". Shenzhen's meteorological observatory in a warning said the risk of flash floods was "very high".
Authorities in Shenzhen sounded a red alert on Tuesday (Apr 23), cautioning people: "Please quickly take precautions and stay away from dangerous areas such as low-lying areas prone to flooding."
"Pay attention to heavy rains and resulting disasters such as water logging, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and ground caving in," added the statement.
From Qingyuan, located near the Bei River tributary, more than 45,000 people have been evacuated, according to official media reports.
Across Guangdong, 110,000 residents have been relocated since the rains started over the weekend, reported state news agency Xinhua.
Death toll
According to an AFP report, four people have died due to the rains, while another 10 remain missing.
Recent years have seen China struggling with severe floods, record heatwaves and severe droughts. The intense weather events as per experts are driven by human-emitted greenhouse gases, of which China happens to be the biggest contributor.
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Just last September, the nation experienced the heaviest rains since records began in 1952.
The nearby semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong also recorded its heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years.
As per a United Nations report released recently, in 2023, Asia was the most disaster-hit region from climate and weather hazards.
(With inputs from agencies)
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