China issued red flood alerts across multiple provinces on Friday as extreme storms continue to slam the country’s central and southern regions. The heavy downpours, triggered by the early arrival of the East Asia monsoon, are putting millions at risk and disrupting the world’s second-largest economy.
According to state media, the warnings—the first of the year—affect Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, and the Guangxi region. Authorities fear that the ongoing rainfall, intensified by climate change, could overwhelm outdated flood defenses, destroy crops, and displace communities.
The situation in Hunan is particularly severe. On Thursday, floods along the Lishui River rose over two meters above safety levels, marking the worst surge since 1998. Videos on Chinese social media showed the river pouring onto roads, dragging debris with it as residents scrambled for safety.
In Chongqing, muddy floodwaters submerged apartment buildings and swept cars down hilly streets. State media reported that at least 300 people had to be evacuated from mountain villages where rainfall hit 304 millimeters in a single day. One river in the area swelled by 19 meters due to runoff from surrounding peaks.
Meanwhile, in Guangdong’s city of Zhaoqing, floodwaters rose more than five meters above safe levels, breaking historical records. The flooding also disrupted power supply, adding to the chaos as emergency services tried to respond to rising water levels.
China’s rainy season often leads to economic damage. Last July alone, losses from natural disasters surpassed $10 billion. As the rains continue, followed by scorching heat, experts warn of further risks to China’s agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety—making flood response a top priority for officials.