Extreme April rainfall floods Qinzhou after 538 mm (21.1 inches) in 12 hours, China
Torrential rainfall inundated urban districts in Qinzhou, Guangxi, southern China, on April 27, 2026, forcing more than 200 residents to evacuate after streets turned into fast-moving channels and floodwaters spread into residential areas. A reported 538 mm (21.1 inches) of rain fell in 12 hours across Qinzhou and Beihai, with peak 1-hour rainfall reaching 147.7 mm (5.8 inches).
Flooding in Guangxi, China on April 27, 2026. Credit: Jim Yang
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.
On the morning of April 27th, coastal Guangxi experienced the most extreme rainstorm in China this year! The maximum rainfall in Qinzhou and Beihai reached 538 mm in 12 hours and 147.7 mm in 1 hour, causing widespread flooding. pic.twitter.com/gmfYSFsPrj
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) April 27, 2026
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
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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