Torrential downpour strikes Guizhou, China – parts already inundated by floods – for a second consecutive week.
Torrential Rains Strike Rongjiang, Guizhou Again - Floodwaters Submerge City for Second Time This Week
The southwestern Chinese city of Rongjiang, Guizhou, found itself underwater once more, with relentless rains flooding the city over the weekend. Rongjiang, home to around 300,000 residents, was first hit by record-breaking downpours earlier in the week, resulting in six fatalities and the displacement of over 80,000 people. In a repeat of the earlier disaster, the city was submerged once again, with the rainfall over a 3-day period nearly doubling the city's usual June rain total.
In light of the new flooding, regional authorities elevated the city's flood emergency response level to the highest possible, as of Saturday. According to state broadcaster CCTV, the peak water level would likely exceed the safety threshold by a nerve-racking 2 meters (6.6 feet), marking a new high since 1954. As a result, more than 40,000 residents were urgently evacuated by the evening (1000 GMT) on Saturday.
Record-Breaking Floods and Human Cost
The devastating floods in Guizhou province began earlier this week, with the peak water level reaching an alarming 256.7 meters, as per Guizhou provincial government data shared with Reuters on Friday. Pummeling the region with numerous casualties and displaced people, the flooding has underscored the destructive power of water as well as the dangers posed by an increasingly extreme climate.
Economic Impact and Recovery Efforts
The flood-stricken city of Rongjiang had made significant strides in its economic development prior to the disaster. Having been removed from the national poverty list in 2020 and subsequently experiencing an unexpected tourism boom, Rongjiang boasted a local soccer league that gained national attention, drawing throngs of fans and visitors. However, the Buddha Mountain Stadium, home of the "Village Super League," had been left under 7 meters (23 feet) of water just days ago.
In response to the disaster, the government has initiated a Level III emergency response and allocated $14 million in disaster relief funds, aimed at rebuilding damaged roads, flood defenses, healthcare amenities, and educational facilities. As recovery efforts continue, experts warn of potential long-term economic losses and the potential for further unforeseen disasters to strike the already weakened infrastructure.
Larger Threat Looming
The floodwaters plaguing Rongjiang are not confined to the city, as 13 major rivers in Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces have risen above their warning levels due to the recent storms, as per CCTV's satellite imagery. Chinese officials have expressed concerns that these floods could engender unforeseeable "black swan" events, leading to dire consequences such as dam collapses, power outages, and landslides.
With ongoing rains and the threat of additional weather hazards, the people of Rongjiang are bracing themselves for a challenging road to recovery. The only certainty, however, is the unpredictable course the floodwaters will take in coming days.
The environmental-science implications of the ongoing weather-forecasting disasters, such as the record-breaking floods in Guizhou, highlight the increasing impact of climate-change on the region. The science community is concerned that the repeated flooding in Rongjiang may signal an escalating pattern, jeopardizing infrastructure, economic development, and the well-being of its residents.
