Northern Sichuan records heaviest rainfall of 2025, causing flash floods and evacuations

The Sichuan Meteorological Bureau reported that cumulative rainfall at several monitoring stations in Guangyuan surpassed 250 mm (9.8 inches), with the provincial maximum reaching 255.2 mm (10 inches) in Chaotian District.

The highest observed hourly intensity was 93.2 mm (3.7 inches). In response, Guangyuan city activated a level-4 flood-control emergency, while some districts and counties raised their response to level-3.

Local media reported that floodwaters had submerged streets, farmland, and houses in Guangyuan, with submerging numerous vehicles. Rescue teams were dispatched to carry out evacuations and water removal operations.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and local governments warned of continued hydrological risks, as soils in many areas are already saturated from previous rainfall episodes this season.

By 09:00 LT on September 5, at least 146 monitoring stations across Sichuan had recorded cumulative totals above 100 mm (4 inches).

Heavy rain and geological hazard warnings were issued across 35 counties, including parts of Guangyuan and Nanchong, with risks of flash floods and landslides remaining elevated. The provincial Department of Natural Resources maintained a yellow alert for geological hazards covering multiple districts.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued rainstorm warnings for Sichuan, with forecasters expecting localized heavy rainfall to persist and urging residents in mountainous and low-lying areas to take precautionary measures.

This event is part of a broader pattern of extreme rainfall affecting southwestern China during the 2025 monsoon season.

Repeated episodes of torrential rain have caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in several provinces. Sichuan, located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River basin, remains particularly vulnerable due to its topography and dense river network.

References:

¹ 四川省气象台更新暴雨蓝色预警[IV级/一般] – CMA – September 5, 2025.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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