Storm catastrophe in China: Unprecedented floods, thousands evacuated
At least 11 people were killed by severe storms that swept through southern China, leading to floods. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated. Recordings that went viral show apocalyptic scenes.
Heavy rains have recently affected Guangdong, the richest and most populous province in China. According to state media, at least 11 people have died, and over 58,300 people had to be evacuated due to potential threats. The evacuation mainly concerns the residents of Qingyuan - a city located along the banks of the Beijiang River, about 60 kilometers from the provincial capital, Guangzhou.
As a result of the violent storms and heavy rainfall, rivers swelled, and there were also landslides in mountainous areas. According to state television CCTV, six people were injured, and several are trapped near the city of Jiangwan in the northern part of Guangdong.
Local authorities, as well as residents, refer to the flood as a "once in a century" event. Forecasts indicate that it will continue to rain heavily on Monday.
Flood in China. Videos have gone viral
Videos have emerged online, showcasing the power of the element and making it clear what the residents of southern China are facing.
Heavy rainfall in southern China is not unusual, but experts believe that climate change caused by human-emitted greenhouse gases is intensifying and making extreme weather events more frequent - notes AFP.
It is worth remembering that China remains the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world.
Just a few days ago, Chinese scientists in the journal Science warned that nearly half of China's major cities suffer from a "moderate or severe" level of ground subsidence, which puts millions of people at risk of flooding.
