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Weather tracker: Torrential rain in southern China leads to flooding fears
TL;DR
Southern China is experiencing widespread heavy rain, with totals expected to exceed 100mm in several provinces, raising flooding concerns. Authorities are coordinating emergency responses and monitoring reservoir safety as intense rainfall is forecasted for the coming week.
Key points
- Heavy rain is affecting southern China.
- Rainfall totals may exceed 100mm in several provinces.
- Authorities are preparing for potential flooding.
- Reservoirs must remain empty during the rainy season.
- Similar weather is expected in Bangladesh and northern Myanmar.
Mentioned in this story
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Widespread heavy rain is sweeping over southern China. By Wednesday, rainfall totals are expected to exceed 100mm across many parts of Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, and in some areas as much as 150-200mm.
As a result, the Office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management have been holding meetings with meteorological and hydrological departments to emphasise the importance of reinforced patrols and emergency responses to mitigate against the probable flooding that the intense rainfall is expected to bring. In particular, reservoirs with known safety concerns must remain empty during the period, as well as through the coming rainy season.
Torrential rain is also forecast this coming week for Bangladesh, northern Myanmar and the far east of India, including Nagaland, Manipur and Assam – up to 250mm could fall, locally more than 400mm.
Central and northern India are continuing to experience particularly high temperatures. Maxima of 45C have been reported from as far west as the coastal city of Surat, to Haryana and Delhi in the north, and Odisha in the east.
People shield themselves from the heat in the old quarters of Delhi, India on Sunday. Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
Combined with high humidity and extreme UV levels, several yellow heatwave alerts have been issued. The extreme sweltering heat is expected to last into the early part of the week, before somewhat cooler air arrives – with the potential for thunderstorms – bringing some relief.
Heavy rainfall has also been falling in Nigeria in recent days, causing widespread damage and destruction across some areas of Jalingo, the state capital of Taraba in the east of the country. On Saturday, intense rainfall led to a rapid rise in water levels that inundated properties and destroyed homes.
Q&A
What areas in southern China are expected to receive heavy rainfall?
Provinces including Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Hunan are expected to receive heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm.
What measures are being taken to prevent flooding in southern China?
The Office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters is coordinating with meteorological and hydrological departments to reinforce patrols and ensure emergency responses.
How much rain is forecasted for Bangladesh and northern Myanmar?
Bangladesh and northern Myanmar are forecasted to receive up to 250mm of rain, with some areas potentially exceeding 400mm.
