Extreme April rainfall floods Qinzhou after 538 mm (21.1 inches) in 12 hours, China

Floodwaters inundated urban districts in Qinzhou, Guangxi, after intense rainfall affected parts of southern China on April 27. Streets turned into fast-moving channels, and vehicles were left partially submerged as runoff accumulated across built-up areas.

More than 200 residents were forced to evacuate as floodwaters spread into residential neighborhoods. Rescue teams used boats to reach people trapped in homes, while emergency personnel moved through waist- to chest-deep water in the worst-affected areas.

The maximum rainfall in Qinzhou and Beihai reportedly reached 538 mm (21.1 inches) in 12 hours, while peak 1-hour rainfall reached 147.7 mm (5.8 inches). On the same day, rainfall totals above 100 mm (4 inches) were recorded across several provinces in southern China, increasing the risk of flash flooding, urban inundation, and transport disruption.

April is the start of the rainy season for southern China as moisture transport strengthens ahead of the main East Asian rainy season. Elevated flood risk during this transition period is typical for low-lying urban environments.

References:

¹ Torrential rain in southern China leads to flooding fears – The Guardian – April 27, 2026

² China hit by rare April floods, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate – The Independent – April 28, 2026

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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