China’s south bears brunt of rains with at least 9 dead and hundreds homeless
- Flood warnings have been raised in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, where rivers are running metres above danger levels
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions on Tuesday to local governments responding to flood prevention in southern China, after heavy rains left at least nine people dead and many homeless. There are also 17 missing.
With drought affecting other parts of the country, Xi’s instructions require local authorities to respond to the twin disasters with the greatest effort and ensure the safety of people and their property, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Xi said that as China entered flood season, “the situation is becoming increasingly severe”.
“All regions and government departments should be aware of the risk, be responsible, increase coordination, disaster monitoring and alert, identify potential risks and prepare sufficient equipment and supplies,” he said.
Several provinces in southern China have issued flood warnings, sending teams to rescue residents and deliver food and supplies as the extreme weather continues.
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At least 9 dead as heavy rain and landslides sweep southeast China
The heavy rainfall hit Meizhou city in Guangdong province’s east on Sunday, leading to flash floods and landslides in multiple counties.