Northern Sichuan records heaviest rainfall of 2025, causing flash floods and evacuations
Northern Sichuan recorded its most intense rainfall of 2025 on September 5, with 12-hour accumulations exceeding 250 mm (10 inches) in Guangyuan and Nanchong, and a provincial maximum of 255.2 mm (10 inches) in Chaotian District. The rainfall triggered flash flooding, street inundations, and emergency responses across multiple districts in Guangyuan and Nanchong.
Flooding in Guanguyan city on September 5, 2025. Credit: Publicity Department of the Zhaohua District Committee
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.
On September 5, northern Sichuan was hit by the heaviest rainstorm of the year. The maximum rainfall in Guangyuan and Nanchong in 12 hours exceeded 250 mm, and many places were hit by flash floods. pic.twitter.com/bA9SIZaA6C
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) September 5, 2025
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.
Rising river levels in Zhaohua District, Guangyuan City flooded parts of farmland, on Septmeber 5, 2025. Credit: Publicity Department of the Zhaohua District Committee- Vehicles submerged by floodwaters in Yuanba Town, Zhaohua District, Guangyuan City, on September 5, 2025. Credit: Publicity Department of Zhaohua District Committee
- Flooding in Guanguyan city on September 5, 2025. Credit: Vehicles submerged by floodwaters in Yuanba Town, Zhaohua District, Guangyuan City, on September 5, 2025. Credit: Publicity Department of Zhaohua District Committee
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.
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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