Severe Flooding in Southwestern China Kills Six, Displaces Thousands

Extreme flooding in southwestern China has claimed at least six lives and displaced over 51,000 people, according to state media reports on June 26. The disaster, described as unprecedented in over 50 years, hit Rongjiang, a town in Guizhou province at the confluence of three rivers.
Infrastructure in some townships suffered severe damage, with roads blocked, communications disrupted, and residents trapped. Rescue teams were searching for survivors, with the death toll expected to rise. By June 24, the Liu River in Rongjiang exceeded its highest recorded level since 1958, with water flowing at 11.4 million liters per second.
Flooding has spread downstream to other parts of southwest China, including rural areas in Guangxi. The worst-hit area was Meilin village in Liuzhou city, where floodwaters rose over 13 feet above safety levels. Local authorities are working to clear silt as waters recede, though heavy rain is forecast to continue until July 1.
The disaster has affected over 100,000 people in Rongjiang alone, with many displaced from their homes. Authorities warn that the situation remains critical as floodwaters continue to impact the region.

Published: 6/26/2025