Heavy rainfall over the weekend has claimed at least five lives and left several others missing in China’s southern provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi, prompting widespread weather alerts and growing concerns over mountain floods and geological disasters.

According to state media outlet Xinhua, China’s National Meteorological Centre issued multiple warnings from Sunday through Monday, forecasting continued downpours across southern and eastern provinces, including Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong, as well as the northwestern province of Xinjiang.

A yellow alert — the third-highest level in China’s four-tier warning system — was issued in parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi, signalling a high risk of mountain flooding. The country’s warning system ranges from red (most severe) to orange, yellow, and blue.

The latest round of severe weather comes amid a trend of intensifying climate patterns across the country. Meteorological data shows that 2024 is shaping up to be China’s warmest year since records began over 60 years ago, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking temperatures. The unusual heat has contributed to stronger storms, increased rainfall, and higher electricity demand due to widespread cooling needs.

State broadcaster CCTV also reported that more rain is expected through Tuesday, especially in the far western region of Xinjiang, along the Tianshan mountain range — a development that adds to the already heightened alert levels across the country.

As emergency services continue search and rescue operations in the south, authorities are urging residents in at-risk regions to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the extreme weather persists.

Melissa Enoch

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