Historic floods affect over 300 000 people, force 70 000 to relocate in Huaiji, Guangdong

Suijiang Huaiji Station in Guangdong’s Huaiji County reached a record water level of 55.22 m (181.17 feet) at 07:05 LT on June 18, 2025, following intense monsoonal rainfall and Typhoon Wutip. The flooding affected more than 300 000 people and led to the emergency relocation of over 70 000 residents.

Severe flooding continued across Huaiji County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, as Suijiang Huaiji Station reached a historical high of 55.22 m (181.17 feet) on June 18, surpassing the alert level of 50 m (164 feet) and exceeding the previous record of 54.8 m (179.8 feet) set on July 22, 1955.

This marked the fourth Hongfeng (flood crest) event of the current season. The crest was driven by concentrated rainfall across the upper reaches of the Suijiang River, intensified by Typhoon Wutip and the strengthening East Asian monsoon system.

In response, the county’s Three Defense Command activated a Level I flood emergency alert at 19:00 LT on June 17, ordering a “five stops” policy, halting school, work, production, transportation, and commerce. Emergency shelters were activated, and the public was instructed to remain indoors.

By June 20, over 300 000 residents were affected across 19 townships. 70 000 residents had been relocated to safer areas. In urban zones, intersections and main roads were flooded, in some cases with water depths reaching 3 m (9.8 feet). At multiple locations along the Suijiang River, water levels rose more than 10 m (32.8 feet) within three hours.

Approximately 7.8 km (4.8 miles) of embankments and 9 km (5.6 miles) of roads were damaged, while 900 ha (2 224 acres) of farmland were inundated. Floodwaters also impacted 13 schools and 3 hospitals.

Fifteen injuries were confirmed, all of which were reported as non-life-threatening. The direct economic loss was estimated at 41 million yuan (USD 5.7 million). Power and internet services were disrupted in many areas, leaving entire communities cut off.

Zhaoqing City’s Hydrographic Bureau had already upgraded its emergency flood response level to III.

Rescue and relief operations were rapidly deployed. Teams from Zhaoqing and Guangzhou fire services, the Zhaoqing Forest Fire Brigade, and the Seven Star Veterans Emergency Rescue Center coordinated with provincial forces. The Guangdong Blue Sky Rescue Team conducted 17 operations by 06:00 LT on June 18, rescuing 82 people. Storm boats were used in deep floodwaters, often navigating difficult currents.

Five people were rescued from a flooded clinic located 100 m (328 feet) from the riverbank, where water reached chest height. Another patient, a 59-year-old with mobility limitations, was transported safely to Huaiji County People’s Hospital.

As of June 19, hundreds of firefighters, utility crews, and volunteers were continuing pump-out, cleanup, and restoration operations. A China Southern Power Grid team deployed to drain submerged parking areas and repair electrical faults, while residents and volunteers cleared debris and disinfected affected streets.

The National Development and Reform Commission announced on June 19 that 60 million yuan (about USD 8.36 million) from the central budget had been allocated to support flood relief in Guangdong, specifically targeting infrastructure and public services in Zhaoqing and surrounding areas.

Local officials reported that storm intensity over Huaiji has now weakened, and recovery efforts are proceeding in an orderly manner. Authorities have begun the phased restoration of electricity, road access, and communications, while enforcing price controls in affected towns to prevent inflation of essential goods.

Meteorological agencies warn that the broader flood threat remains active. As the East Asian monsoon continues and further rainfall is forecast, flood alerts remain in place across multiple provinces, including Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Anhui.

References:

¹ 直击广东怀集洪水抢险救灾 – 新华网 – June 19, 2025

² China allocates 60 mln yuan to aid flood relief efforts in Guangdong – Xinhua – June 19, 2025

Feature image credit: Weather Monitor

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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