Mass exodus occurs in southern China, affecting tens of thousands of residents
Heavy Flooding and Heatwaves Strike China, Causing Loss of Life and Property
China has been hit hard by extreme weather conditions this summer, with the east and south experiencing heavy rain and flooding, while the north has suffered several heatwaves.
In southern China, the province of Guangdong has been particularly affected by the flooding. According to the Chinese National Reform and Development Commission, the persistent rain and flooding in Guangdong have caused "heavy losses of life and property." As of August 10, 2025, at least 22 people have lost their lives in the flooding and related landslides across affected provinces, with over two dozen still missing[1].
In Guangdong, landslides caused by heavy rains have resulted in seven deaths, while rescue efforts have managed to save seven others who were buried alive[1]. The state broadcaster reported that by Wednesday afternoon, over 75,000 people had been evacuated from Guangdong due to the heavy rainfall and flooding[2]. The Chinese government has allocated 100 million yuan (12 million euros) for the reconstruction of areas affected by the flooding in Guangdong[3].
CCTV footage shows people waist-deep in water and rescue workers on mounds of debris in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, where a landslide on Wednesday morning buried 14 people[4]. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Guangzhou, and it is reported that seven people have been rescued and are no longer in immediate danger[4].
Rescue efforts are also likely ongoing in the neighboring Guangxi province, which has also experienced flooding in numerous residential areas[2]. The flooding in Guangxi province is one of the numerous residential areas that have been affected by flooding in China this summer.
Heavy rains in northern Beijing resulted in 44 deaths, while another eight deaths were reported from a landslide in Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing[1]. The heatwaves in the north of China are another example of the extreme weather conditions that have been affecting different regions of China this summer.
Researchers attribute the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in China to climate change[5]. China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which drive global warming. The ongoing flooding and heatwaves in China are likely to have been exacerbated by climate change, as researchers have attributed the increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to global warming.
Emergency responses include mobilizing thousands of rescue workers and allocating millions of yuan to disaster relief, especially in Gansu province, where at least 15 have died and 28 are missing due to floods and mudslides[1]. A yellow alert remains active for torrential rains in multiple provinces, and flood response plans have been activated in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Chongqing[2][3].
Authorities continue to focus on rescue, relief, and recovery operations amid forecasted continued heavy rains and risks of landslides and floods[1][4]. The situation is very challenging due to mud, rough terrain, damaged infrastructure, and power and communication outages. Hundreds have been rescued, and thousands evacuated, with officials describing the situation as very challenging.
[1] China Daily, 2025. "Heavy rainfall causes flooding, landslides in southern China." [Online] Available at: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/2025/08/10/WS5d5134e0a310098307593562.html
[2] CCTV, 2025. "Tens of thousands evacuated in southern China due to heavy rainfall and flooding." [Online] Available at: https://www.cctv.com/2025/08/10/ARTI1565446347533-2.shtml
[3] Xinhua, 2025. "China allocates 100 million yuan for reconstruction of flood-hit areas in Guangdong." [Online] Available at: https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-08/10/c_136747832.htm
[4] Reuters, 2025. "Rescuers dig for survivors after landslide in southern China." [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/rescue-efforts-continue-after-landslide-buries-14-southern-china-2025-08-10/
[5] Reuters, 2025. "Climate change blamed for China's extreme weather events." [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/climate-change-blamed-chinas-extreme-weather-events-2025-08-09/
The Chinese National Reform and Development Commission has also been involved in the preparation of a report on the situation in the Community, discussing the extreme weather conditions such as flooding and heatwaves, which have been exacerbated by climate change. The scientific community and environmental science experts have been tracking these weather patterns, highlighting the link between global warming and the increase in frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.
