Two major flood waves in Rongjiang, China leave 120 000 evacuated and six dead

ByReet Kaur

Torrential rainfall and river overflow caused two major flood waves in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, China between June 20 and June 29, 2025, forcing the evacuation of over 120 000 people and resulting in six fatalities.

Two consecutive rounds of torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding in Rongjiang County, located in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, between June 20 and June 29. The first flood event peaked on June 21 and the second on June 28, leading to the county’s highest flood alert and mass evacuations.

The water level of the Duliu River at Shihuichang Station reached 256.7 m (842 feet) with a discharge of 11 400 m³/s (402 500 ft³/s) on June 21, surpassing the safety threshold by 5.2 m (17 feet). This marked the highest water level since records began in 1954.

Multiple tributaries, including the Pingyong and Zhaihao Rivers, overflowed after the region received high rainfall levels.

The second round of flooding occurred on June 28 following renewed heavy precipitation. River levels surged again, reaching 253.5 m (831.6 feet) about 2 m (6.6 feet) above the warning level. In total, more than 120 000 residents were displaced across the two flood waves while six people were killed.

The town center of Rongjiang and several surrounding low-lying areas were severely impacted. Rongjiang’s largest commercial complex, Changchi Plaza, was inundated to its second floor. The popular local football venue known for hosting China’s “Village Super League” was submerged under 1 m (3.3 feet) of water within 10 minutes, prompting cancellations of all scheduled matches.

The floods disrupted power, communication, and transport infrastructure across multiple townships. Some areas reported full loss of telecommunications and road access, while widespread power outages were recorded. Provincial authorities upgraded the flood response to Level I, the highest category, on June 24. The national Ministry of Emergency Management simultaneously launched a Level IV flood response and natural disaster relief mobilization.

Over 1 000 emergency personnel were deployed with more than 200 specialized vehicles and boats, including drainage vessels, inflatable rescue rafts, and aerial drones. Rescue teams conducted street-level patrols via boats, evacuating stranded residents and delivering food and water. Relief supplies exceeding 5 800 packages were delivered by rail, road, and air, comprising food, clothing, medical materials, and disinfection kits.

On June 25, cleanup operations commenced. Main roads in the county town were cleared of silt using excavators. Electricity and street lighting began restoration, though full service remained limited. 50 people remained in temporary shelters by June 27.

The event triggered major economic and social disruption. Rongjiang was removed from China’s national poverty list in 2020 and has seen rapid tourism growth, which was severely set back. Agricultural lands, commercial districts, and essential services have all sustained significant damage.

Reference:

1 “村超”主场榕江：洪峰，一波未平一波又来 – 澎湃新闻 – June 29, 2025

2 30年一遇洪水过境 贵州榕江县6人遇难 – 财新 王硕 – June 26, 2025

Featured image credit: Jim Yang

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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