China Raises Flood Alert to Highest Level as Water Surges in Guizhou

Relentless rainstorms have unleashed catastrophic flooding across Rongjiang County in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, prompting authorities to declare the highest-level emergency response. The region is grappling with one of its worst flood disasters in recent years, as water levels surged beyond critical thresholds.

According to Xinhua, the Shihuichang Hydrological Station on the Duliu River recorded a staggering water level of 253.06 meters—1.56 meters above the guaranteed safety mark. As a result, the local flood control and drought relief headquarters escalated the emergency response from Level II to Level I—the highest tier in China's four-level alert system.

So far, over 41,574 residents from 11,992 households have been urgently evacuated to safer zones, with more than 1,000 soldiers deployed alongside heavy machinery to assist in the rescue and relief operations. Bulldozers and excavators are working around the clock to restore connectivity and prevent further damage.

The National Development and Reform Commission has swiftly responded, allocating 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million) to support ongoing disaster relief efforts.

Since June 24, Rongjiang has been battered by relentless downpours, resulting in what officials described as “exceptionally large floods.” As of Thursday, six lives have been lost, and the toll may rise as rescue operations continue.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports that more than 80,000 people have been displaced across Guizhou Province, following the landfall of a tropical depression, which intensified the already dire conditions.

With nature showing no signs of relenting, the people of Guizhou face a long and uncertain road to recovery.

Also Read: China’s Zoomlion Acquires German Agri-Tech Firm Rabe