Two major flood waves in Rongjiang, China leave 120 000 evacuated and six dead
Torrential rainfall and river overflow caused two major flood waves in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, China between June 20 and June 29, 2025, forcing the evacuation of over 120 000 people and resulting in six fatalities.
China's flood aftermath – cars havoc everywhere…. pic.twitter.com/Za1cugtDGk
— Gosho Goshev (@GoshoGoshev16) August 5, 2023
Two consecutive rounds of torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding in Rongjiang County, located in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, between June 20 and June 29. The first flood event peaked on June 21 and the second on June 28, leading to the county’s highest flood alert and mass evacuations.
The water level of the Duliu River at Shihuichang Station reached 256.7 m (842 feet) with a discharge of 11 400 m³/s (402 500 ft³/s) on June 21, surpassing the safety threshold by 5.2 m (17 feet). This marked the highest water level since records began in 1954.
The aftermath of the Guizhou flood was stark, as witnessed by a girl trudging through thick mud. Mud blanketed everything, with cars piled atop one another in the chaos.#guizhou #china #China #Flooding pic.twitter.com/pXUAB728Xh
— Panpan Xplore (@PanpanXplore) June 27, 2025
Multiple tributaries, including the Pingyong and Zhaihao Rivers, overflowed after the region received high rainfall levels.
The second round of flooding occurred on June 28 following renewed heavy precipitation. River levels surged again, reaching 253.5 m (831.6 feet) about 2 m (6.6 feet) above the warning level. In total, more than 120 000 residents were displaced across the two flood waves while six people were killed.
Severe flooding due to overflowing river in Rongjiang County of Guizhou Province, China(24.06.2025) pic.twitter.com/ODMDxq81tI
— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) June 24, 2025
The town center of Rongjiang and several surrounding low-lying areas were severely impacted. Rongjiang’s largest commercial complex, Changchi Plaza, was inundated to its second floor. The popular local football venue known for hosting China’s “Village Super League” was submerged under 1 m (3.3 feet) of water within 10 minutes, prompting cancellations of all scheduled matches.
On 24 June, Rongjiang County experienced the most severe flood in 50 years. 6 lives were tragically lost, 103,000 people affected, and countless families left without access to clean water.
— Olga Dzhumaeva (@ODzhumaeva) June 27, 2025
The Red Cross Society of China swiftly responded by dispatching 2,000 relief kits and… pic.twitter.com/nqBUBJQzQC
The floods disrupted power, communication, and transport infrastructure across multiple townships. Some areas reported full loss of telecommunications and road access, while widespread power outages were recorded. Provincial authorities upgraded the flood response to Level I, the highest category, on June 24. The national Ministry of Emergency Management simultaneously launched a Level IV flood response and natural disaster relief mobilization.
A viaduct on the #Xiamen–#Chengdu Expressway between Sandu County and Rongjiang County in #Guizhou collapsed today due to continuous rainfall. Videos shared by netizens show a red truck with its cab hanging in mid-air and the driver trapped inside. Witnesses confirm that the… pic.twitter.com/uGeKhayQFb
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) June 24, 2025
Over 1 000 emergency personnel were deployed with more than 200 specialized vehicles and boats, including drainage vessels, inflatable rescue rafts, and aerial drones. Rescue teams conducted street-level patrols via boats, evacuating stranded residents and delivering food and water. Relief supplies exceeding 5 800 packages were delivered by rail, road, and air, comprising food, clothing, medical materials, and disinfection kits.
Aftermath of the FIRST wave of flooding that hit Rongjiang County, China on June 24th.
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 29, 2025
Just as everyone returned home to find loss and devastation, they all had to urgently evacuate again yesterday for yet another round of heartbreak.
The official death toll is 6 – I don't… pic.twitter.com/ECLt3DFn21
On June 25, cleanup operations commenced. Main roads in the county town were cleared of silt using excavators. Electricity and street lighting began restoration, though full service remained limited. 50 people remained in temporary shelters by June 27.
BREAKING NEWS
— thecryptochristian (@thecryptochris1) June 26, 2025
THE WRATH OF THE LIVING GOD!!CHINA SLAMMED BY THE WORST MANMADE FLOOD IN RECORDED HISTORY – ENTIRE CITIES WIPED OUT.
Rongjiang, Guizhou: floodwaters surged past 837 feet, swallowing neighborhoods, drowning roads, and forcing over 80,000 evacuations.
50,000 are… pic.twitter.com/VWnIq32Qzs
The event triggered major economic and social disruption. Rongjiang was removed from China’s national poverty list in 2020 and has seen rapid tourism growth, which was severely set back. Agricultural lands, commercial districts, and essential services have all sustained significant damage.
Reference:
1 “村超”主场榕江：洪峰，一波未平一波又来 – 澎湃新闻 – June 29, 2025
2 30年一遇洪水过境 贵州榕江县6人遇难 – 财新 王硕 – June 26, 2025
Featured image credit: Jim Yang
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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