Heavy monsoon rains cause floods and disease outbreaks in southern China
Heavy monsoon rains across southern China, including Guangdong and Hong Kong, have triggered flooding, landslides, and vector-borne disease outbreaks, with at least two deaths and over 7 000 chikungunya cases reported as of August 7, 2025.
Flooding in Huizhou, Guangdong - August 2025. Credit: Jim Yang
Heavy monsoon rains across southern China have caused widespread damage, triggering landslides, flooding, and caused vector-borne disease outbreaks in multiple provinces. Guangdong Province and Hong Kong are currently among the worst affected regions.
At least two fatalities were confirmed in Guangzhou by 09:00 local time (LT) on August 7 and nine were rescued after a landslide trapped 14 people on the morning of August 5. Three more were rescued by the morning of August 8, leaving only 1 missing due to the incident.
A Level-IV flood emergency response (the lowest on China’s four-tier system) was activated for Guangdong as heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems and increased the risk of rain related disasters.
Huizhou, Guangdong, received 711 mm of rainfall in three days, causing a major flood in the Danshui River. Local troops built dams to prevent flooding. pic.twitter.com/dkdbfyp0ND
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) August 6, 2025
Reuters reported that Gaungdong’s capital, Guangzhou, was lashed by the second-heaviest August rainfall in 25 years, with 16 rivers nearing dangerous flood levels and two sites reaching their highest since 2017 and 2018. As a result, the Baiyun airport had to delay over 300 flights and cancel more than 360.
Huizhou has reportedly received 711 mm (28 inches) of rainfall between August 3 and 6, triggering a major flood in Danshui River. Local troops built dams in the area to control flooding.
In Hong Kong, the local observatory recorded over 350 mm (13.8 inches) of rainfall on August 5 alone — the highest August total since records began in 1884. Multiple “black” rainstorm warnings were issued in a span of eight days, prompting the closure of schools, hospitals, courts, and public services.
Foshan, Guangdong, experienced continuous heavy rain from August 4 to 5, with rainfall exceeding 280 mm in 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/pWcSAuBRXt
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) August 5, 2025
The persistent rainfall has also led to an outbreak of chikungunya virus infections in Guangdong, with over 7 000 cases reported as of August 6. The city of Foshan has been identified as the primary hotspot. Health authorities are attributing the rapid increase to stagnant water serving as mosquito breeding grounds.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management confirmed over 1 billion yuan (approximately USD 139 million) in central government aid to support flood relief in Guangdong, Hebei, Beijing, and Inner Mongolia. Experts warn that persistent flooding is disrupting food supply chains and may result in temporary inflationary pressure.
On the evening of August 4, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, received 213 mm of rainfall in 5 hours, turning the streets into rivers. pic.twitter.com/YmtKM4fyyX
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) August 4, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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