Massive Flooding in Guangxi: A Catastrophe Unfolds

On August 26th, a devastating natural disaster struck southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Severe flooding caused by the relentless rains from Typhoon Naru submerged homes, roads, and entire communities.

The impact was catastrophic, with approximately 54,000 people forced to evacuate as rivers swelled to historic levels.

The Aftermath of Typhoon Naru

In Ningming County, the situation was dire.

Over 55,000 residents found themselves affected as floodwaters surged through towns and villages.

Ground floors of homes were inundated, storefronts were submerged, and access to low-lying areas was completely cut off.

Some neighborhoods experienced water levels rising perilously close to rooftops and power lines.

Rescue teams sprang into action, utilizing rubber boats to reach those stranded by the floodwaters.

Residents trapped on upper floors had no safe exit, while crews maintained communication with those awaiting evacuation.

Food and drinking water were delivered to those in need, where road access was rendered impossible.

By noon on August 25th, rescue and relief forces had successfully relocated 22,000 stranded residents to safety.

Authorities identified an additional 19,356 individuals for relocation, with 19,163 of them successfully moved.

More than 1,200 rescue and emergency personnel were deployed throughout the county to assist in the crisis.

Historic Water Levels Recorded

The flooding was unprecedented.

Two gauges on the Minjiang River recorded historic crests within mere hours of each other.

At 12:40 a.m., the Ningming Hydrological Station near Dongan noted a crest of 124.59 meters, which was 6.69 meters above its warning level.

Discharge rates reached an alarming 5,130 cubic meters per second, marking the highest flood levels recorded since monitoring began in 1953.

By 7:30 a.m., the Ningming County Town Station reported a crest of 123.69 meters, surpassing the warning level by 7.69 meters.

Discharge at this station peaked at approximately 5,680 cubic meters per second, setting a new record since monitoring commenced in 2009.

The Zuojiang River gauge in Longzhou also reported alarming statistics.

At 3:10 a.m., it recorded a crest of 124.54 meters, 7.34 meters above its warning level, with a discharge rate of about 6,780 cubic meters per second—the highest since 1986.

All 12 townships in Longzhou reported significant impacts from the flooding.

Local authorities estimated that 21,559 people were affected, with 5,816 homes flooded.

By the previous evening, 15,535 individuals from 6,619 households had been relocated or resettled, with over 10,000 relocations occurring in Longzhou town alone.

The Struggle for Rescue

Amidst the chaos, boat crews navigated streets where floodwaters reached over two meters in depth.

Strong currents, floating debris, and low-hanging power lines complicated rescue efforts.

One firefighting team managed to evacuate 70 residents in a single day, including a 92-year-old woman who had to be carried to safety.

In Shangjin Township, a village of 385 residents found itself completely surrounded by floodwaters.

One patient in urgent need of dialysis prompted rescuers to enter the area on a small bamboo raft.

They successfully opened a route through the flooded landscape and transferred the patient for necessary medical treatment.

The Jiangzhou District raised its flood control emergency response to the highest level as the Zuojiang and nearby rivers continued to rise.

By the morning of August 26th, more than 14,900 individuals had been evacuated from this district alone.

Armed police, firefighters, and amphibious rescue vehicles were deployed to reach isolated communities and restore access and communication.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Despair

Despite the severity of the situation, Longzhou authorities reported no deaths or missing persons in their latest updates.

Ningming also reported extensive transfers and rescues without any fatalities or missing residents linked to the flooding caused by Typhoon Naru.

In Nanning, however, the Youjiang River reached 74.04 meters, which was 1.04 meters above its warning level.

Docks and riverside walkways were submerged, leading to the closure of the river section for shipping.

Region-wide, 20 hydrological stations on 14 rivers exceeded warning levels in the 24-hour period ending at 8:00 a.m. that morning.

During the three days leading up to August 24th, Jilang Township in Ningming recorded an astonishing 618.2 mm of rainfall.

Nanping Yao Township in Shangsi County recorded even more, with 724.7 mm during the same timeframe.

Typhoon Naru lingered over the Beibu Gulf for several days before making landfall in Hainan as a tropical storm.

Its slow movement contributed to the moisture accumulation in Guangxi, Hainan, and Guangdong, while saturated ground and upstream inflows put immense pressure on the Mingjiang and Zuojiang river systems.

Recovery Efforts Underway

As floodwaters began to recede in parts of Ningming and Longzhou, the aftermath revealed a landscape coated in mud.

Crews worked tirelessly to clear debris, repair damaged roads and power facilities, and restore access to communities that had been isolated.

Workers were seen repairing a highway section affected by a slope collapse, while efforts to restore damaged power equipment were ongoing in G Lang Township.

Despite the receding waters, levels remained high in parts of the river system, and rescue operations continued alongside recovery efforts.

Forecasters warned that additional heavy rain could impact southern China as other tropical systems approached the coast.

Conclusion

The flooding in Guangxi has highlighted the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

As the region grapples with the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Naru, the focus will shift toward long-term recovery and resilience-building measures.

The road ahead will be challenging, but the spirit of the affected communities remains strong as they begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives.

As we watch the recovery unfold, it is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such calamities.

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