Southern China Braces for New Storm Amid Ongoing Flood Crisis

 BEIJING, June 25 — Meteorologists have issued a warning that a tropical depression may make landfall in southern China as early as Thursday, threatening to exacerbate an already dire flood situation in regions still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Wutip.

The storm is projected to strike somewhere between Hainan Island and Guangdong province, according to an online bulletin issued Wednesday by the China National Meteorological Centre (NMC). It is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, testing the resilience of flood control systems in Guangdong as well as inland provinces like Guangxi and Hunan.

Authorities are on high alert after Typhoon Wutip battered the region from June 13 to 15, displacing hundreds of thousands, inundating croplands, and leaving five people dead. The storm brought record-breaking rainfall and widespread infrastructure damage, leaving communities vulnerable to further weather shocks.

Climate Pressures Mount

While summer flooding has been a long-standing challenge in China, scientists and government officials warn that the scale and frequency of extreme weather events are intensifying due to climate change. Experts caution that these intensifying conditions increase the risk of unforeseen “black swan” events such as dam failures, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Meteorologists note that typhoon-induced precipitation is compounding seasonal rainfall, typically heaviest between June and July, significantly increasing the likelihood of larger-than-anticipated floods across southern China.

Cities Underwater, Infrastructure Strained

The warning comes as Rongjiang, a city of 300,000 in Guizhou province, was struck by torrential rains on Wednesday. The flooding submerged large parts of the city, sweeping away vehicles, overwhelming underground malls and parking lots, and severely damaging the local power grid. Videos and photos circulated by state media showed dramatic images of fast-rising waters engulfing streets and homes.

The impact of the deluge is already being felt downstream. Rivers across Guangxi remain dangerously swollen, with one key waterway reported at more than nine metres above the safe level, according to local media.

National Response Mobilised

In response to the escalating crisis, China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced on Wednesday an emergency allocation of 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million) to support disaster relief efforts. Half of the funds have been directed to Guizhou, with the remaining split between Guangdong and Hunan provinces.

As local governments brace for yet another round of torrential weather, the central authorities have emphasised the importance of early warning systems, evacuation readiness, and reinforcement of vulnerable infrastructure — particularly in urban centres and along river basins.

With this latest tropical depression threatening to make landfall within hours, southern China once again finds itself at the forefront of a growing battle against extreme weather.