Heavy rains cause deadly flooding in southern China, 47 confirmed dead

Authorities warn that more flooding could be imminent in other parts of the country.

The heaviest downpours occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, causing widespread destruction. Trees were uprooted, homes collapsed, and a road leading to Meixian district was completely washed away. The Songyuan River, which flows through Meizhou, reached its highest recorded water level.

The economic impact is significant, with Jiaoling county estimating direct losses of 3.65 billion yuan ($502 million) and Meixian district reporting 1.06 billion yuan ($146 million) in damages.

China's National Meteorological Center has issued a severe weather warning for several southern provinces and parts of the north within the next 24 hours. Residents in Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Guizhou provinces should brace for hail, strong thunderstorms, and potentially heavy rainfall exceeding 50mm to 80mm (2-3 inches) in a single day.

Last week, similar heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding in southern Fujian and Guangxi provinces, tragically claiming the life of a student who fell into a swollen river. (ILKHA)