Floods – Deadly Rainstorms Leave 39 Dead as Flood Emergency Intensifies Across China
Floods – Floods caused by days of relentless rainfall have claimed at least 39 lives in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, while another nine people remain unaccounted for, according to information released by Chinese authorities on Thursday. Rescue teams continue search operations as officials work to manage worsening flood conditions in several parts of the country.
Guangxi Reports Heavy Losses After Reservoir Failure
Officials confirmed that the latest death toll includes victims linked to a major reservoir breach in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi. The update was shared during a flood prevention and disaster relief briefing held on Thursday. Emergency personnel have been deployed across the affected areas to support rescue efforts, assist displaced residents, and restore damaged infrastructure where possible.
The severe weather has caused extensive flooding across communities, disrupting transportation, damaging homes, and creating difficult conditions for emergency responders. Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the destruction.
Jilin Upgrades Flood Response as Rivers Swell
In northeastern China, officials raised the flood emergency response level in Jilin Province from Level IV to Level III on Tuesday after prolonged heavy rainfall significantly increased flood risks. The upgraded response reflects growing concerns over rapidly rising water levels and the potential for further damage across vulnerable regions.
The continuous rain, influenced by Typhoon Bavi, has pushed the Songhua River in Jilin to record its first major flood event of 2026. Hydrological authorities also reported that the Meihe River, a tributary of the Huifa River, has reached its highest flood level since official monitoring records began.
Multiple Disaster Risks Remain High
Authorities warned that the Huifa River is expected to remain above its warning level, increasing the possibility of additional flooding in nearby communities. Officials also cautioned that mountain torrents, landslides, urban flooding, and emergencies involving small and medium-sized reservoirs remain significant concerns.
Disaster management agencies said the current flood control situation is both serious and complicated, requiring continuous monitoring and rapid emergency action. Local governments have been instructed to stay prepared for changing weather conditions and respond quickly to any new threats.
Heavy Rain Forecast for More Provinces
China’s Ministry of Water Resources has forecast further rainfall from Tuesday through Friday across parts of eastern northwest China. Moderate to heavy rain is expected in several regions, while central Shaanxi Province and central and southern Shanxi Province could experience intense rainstorms.
The ministry warned that water levels are likely to rise in sections of the middle Yellow River and several important tributaries, including the Weihe, Fenhe, and Qinhe rivers. Smaller rivers in areas receiving the heaviest rainfall may exceed official flood warning levels, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding.
Authorities Strengthen Monitoring and Preparedness
To reduce the impact of the ongoing weather emergency, the Ministry of Water Resources has directed provincial authorities in Shanxi and Shaanxi, along with river basin management agencies, to strengthen flood monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems.
Officials have also been instructed to closely inspect reservoirs and silt dams, reinforce safety measures where necessary, and improve flood prevention efforts in mountain regions and along smaller rivers that are particularly vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall.
Emergency agencies continue to monitor weather developments closely as rescue operations, flood control measures, and public safety efforts remain underway in the affected regions