On 6 August 2024, southern China faced a deluge that led to severe flooding and landslides, displacing more than 75,000 residents in Guangdong province alone. With emergency services stretched thin, many were forced to evacuate their homes as relentless rains wreaked havoc.
Extent of the Damage
Footage from the worst-hit areas depicted harrowing scenes of waist-deep floodwaters inundating streets. While thousands attempted to escape on makeshift rafts or clung to partially submerged vehicles, emergency personnel worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the aftermath of collapsed buildings.
- Over 75,000 evacuees in Guangdong province
- Significant landslide incident in Dayuan village, trapping at least 14 individuals
- Rescue operations led to the retrieval of seven survivors, with one fatality confirmed
Government Response
To aid in the recovery efforts, China’s National Development and Reform Commission allocated 100 million yuan (approximately US$14 million). Tragically, this is not an isolated incident, as heavy casualties and significant property damage from floods and landslides have increasingly become a summer norm across the region due to climate change effects.
Natural Disasters on the Rise
This recent flooding in southern China is part of a troubling trend of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Only last month, severe weather conditions contributed to 44 deaths in the outskirts of Beijing, while a separate landslide in Hebei province claimed eight lives. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is making vows to transition to carbon neutrality by 2060. However, the urgent question remains—how will they balance growth with environmental sustainability?
What Lies Ahead?
With climate issues at the forefront, not just in China but globally, the fight against natural calamities continues. As southern China grapples with the consequences of extreme weather, there’s a pressing need for enhanced preparedness and resilience against such unavoidable challenges.