Heavy rains since June 24 unleashed severe flooding in Rongjiang County in southwest China's Guizhou Province, forcing authorities to re-activate the highest-level flood response on June 28.
The local flood control and drought relief headquarters upgraded its emergency alert from Level II to Level I, mobilizing rescue teams, medical staff and equipment across the region.
By 6 p.m. on June 28, officials had evacuated 11,992 households, relocating 41,574 residents from low-lying villages to safer shelters. Volunteers are distributing food, clean water and basic supplies while crews strengthen dikes along swollen rivers.
The National Development and Reform Commission tapped an extra 100 million yuan (about $13.96 million) from the central budget, doubling the flood relief allocation for Guizhou Province to 200 million yuan. Funds are being used for emergency medical aid, temporary housing and infrastructure repairs.
With forecasts warning of continued downpours, authorities urge residents to stay alert, follow evacuation orders and register at local relief centers. Community groups are coordinating psychological support and volunteer networks to help displaced families cope.
As climate change fuels more extreme weather events, the Rongjiang crisis highlights the need for resilient infrastructure and fast-response systems—an issue resonating with young global citizens, tech innovators, activists and travellers alike.
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Disaster relief efforts underway in flood-hit county in SW China
cgtn.com
