Historic floods hit Huaiji after Typhoon Wutip
Huaiji County in Guangdong Province, China, is facing its worst flooding in a century due to torrential rains from Typhoon Wutip. The Huaiji hydrometric station recorded a peak water level of 55.22 meters, exceeding the warning level of 50 meters by 5.22 meters. This unprecedented flooding has impacted approximately 180,000 residents, with over 68,000 people evacuated to safer areas. Economic losses are already estimated at over 41 million yuan (around 5.71 million U.S. dollars), severely affecting local businesses.
The Suijiang River has burst its banks, submerging roads and flooding buildings to mid-first-floor levels. Aerial footage shows entire streets transformed into canals, with vehicles nearly submerged. At least 30,000 individuals have been evacuated amid widespread power and internet outages. Rescue operations are underway, utilizing rubber dinghies to assist vulnerable groups, including seriously ill hospital patients, young children, and the elderly, while delivering essential supplies such as water, food, and milk powder.
The flooding has caused significant damage to public infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The region may continue to experience severe weather due to ongoing monsoon activity and the influence of storm systems like Wutip. Authorities are likely to escalate flood control measures in response to the situation.
Local business owners report substantial losses, with many struggling to salvage their goods. Over 10,000 responders have been mobilized to clear debris and restore essential services. As the situation develops, continued monitoring and support for affected residents will be crucial in the coming days.
