GUANGDONG — Floodwaters swept away sections of bridges in China’s Guangdong province amid heavy rainfall that has battered southern China in recent days, authorities and state media reported.
Torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding across parts of Guangdong and neighboring provinces, disrupting transportation and prompting emergency responses. Social media footage circulating on May 20 showed rushing floodwaters in a river in Enping carrying away what appeared to be part of a bridge structure, according to Reuters.
The heavy downpours, which began intensifying around mid-May, have affected multiple cities in Guangdong including areas around Guangzhou, with urban flooding reported in districts such as Yuexiu, Tianhe and Panyu. Local authorities activated flood control emergency protocols, deploying teams to drain water and conduct rescues.
China’s weather agency has warned of high risks of flash floods, landslides and severe urban waterlogging in Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi and other southern and central provinces. State media reported that emergency responses were in place as of May 20.
Broader flooding across southern and central China has resulted in casualties. Reuters reported on May 19 that at least 21 people had been killed in related incidents, citing state broadcaster CCTV. These included a pickup truck carrying farm workers that fell into a flooded river in Guangxi. Details on any direct casualties or damage specifically from the bridge incidents in Guangdong remained unclear as of Wednesday.
Officials have mobilized resources for evacuation and infrastructure protection. Videos from the region showed submerged roads and vehicles in low-lying areas, with rescue operations ongoing.
“Persistent heavy rainfall continued to pound large parts of southern China this week,” China Daily reported, noting mass evacuations and efforts to restore damaged infrastructure.
Guangdong, one of China’s most populous and economically vital provinces, frequently experiences severe flooding during the rainy season. The current events follow similar patterns seen in previous years, though authorities have not released comprehensive damage assessments for the latest flooding as operations continue.
As of May 21, rescue and recovery efforts were underway, with forecasts indicating additional heavy rain in parts of Guangdong and surrounding regions. Local governments urged residents to heed warnings and avoid flood-prone areas. Further details on the extent of bridge damage and overall impacts were expected to emerge as assessments progress.
