China’s most populous province, Guangdong, has been grappling with severe flooding as heavy rainfall persists. This has prompted authorities to evacuate nearly 60,000 people from their homes. While no casualties have been reported, eleven individuals are currently missing.

Images captured on state media and circulated online depict extensive flooding across vast expanses of land, with rescuers navigating lifeboats through waist-deep waters to aid stranded residents. The situation remains precarious as several major rivers have breached their banks, prompting authorities to monitor water levels described as “dangerously high closely.”

Although forecasts initially predicted a “once in 100 years” peak in river levels, this projection had not materialized by noon on Monday. Guangdong’s vulnerability to flooding is attributed to its location within the low-lying Pearl River delta, susceptible to watershed floods, rising sea levels, and storm surges.

As one of China’s primary manufacturing hubs and densely populated regions, with approximately 127 million inhabitants in Guangdong alone, the impact of the flooding has been widespread. Cities such as Guangzhou, Shaoguan, and Heyuan have been brutally hit.

The torrential rains have disrupted everyday life, resulting in power outages for around 1.16 million households over the weekend. While significant progress has been made in restoring electricity to affected areas, flights have been canceled or delayed at Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, and schools have been closed in multiple cities.

The flooding has caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, with estimated direct economic losses nearing 140.6 million yuan ($19.8 million). Videos shared online depict the destructive force of the floodwaters, which have swept away walls and bridges, leaving devastation in their wake.

Residents have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences, with some forced to relocate furniture to higher floors to avoid flood damage. Others describe navigating treacherous conditions on flooded highways, with visibility severely impaired by the relentless downpour.

Meteorological authorities have warned of continued heavy rainfall in Guangdong and coastal areas of neighboring Fujian province until at least Tuesday. Additionally, other parts of China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain.

The current flooding in Guangdong echoes similar challenges faced by China in July last year when Beijing and surrounding regions endured historic levels of rainfall and widespread flooding following the onslaught of typhoons from the Pacific Ocean.