Extreme rainstorm belt brings major flooding to southern China, Guangxi records over 1 000 mm (40 inches) in 5 days
A vast rainstorm belt swept across southern China from June 17 to 24, 2025, delivering record-breaking rainfall. Northern Liuzhou, Guangxi, recorded over 1 000 mm (40 inches) in five days, prompting red flood alerts and evacuations of tens of thousands of people. Rivers across the Pearl and Yangtze River basins remain above warning levels, with heavy rain forecast to persist.
A persistent and widespread rainstorm system affected southern China from June 17 to 24, bringing heavy rainfall to parts of Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Jiangxi provinces. The event triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure disruptions.
The highest recorded rainfall occurred in northern Liuzhou, Guangxi, where over 1 000 mm (40 inches) fell over five days, with some sources reporting 1034 mm (40.7 inches), triggering a Level-4 emergency response from flood control authorities.
Guangxi saw the most intense rainfall, with hourly precipitation rates of 40–60 mm (1.6–2.4 inches) and localized surges exceeding 80 mm (3.1 inches). In some areas, such as Qinzhou, hourly rates reached nearly 190 mm (7.5 inches).
Local rivers rose 0.3–0.5 m (1–1.6 feet) above critical levels, flooding urban and rural areas and inundating agricultural land. Roads, bridges, and power lines were damaged or destroyed, resulting in blackouts and internet outages in some districts.
Meanwhile, in Guizhou Province, sustained heavy rainfall led to the collapse of an approach span of the Houzihé Grand Bridge on the G76 Xiarong Expressway, over the Duliu river. The incident occurred around 07:40 local time (LT) on June 24, between Sandu County and Rongjiang City. Structural deformation was first detected at 05:51 LT, prompting partial lane closures. Complete failure of the approach section followed within two hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that a truck was left hanging from the collapsed span, with the driver initially trapped inside the cabin. Rescue teams safely extracted the driver, and no injuries were reported. Three other vehicles located under the bridge at the time were unoccupied construction vehicles, according to drone assessments by local emergency teams.
The Duliu River experienced its largest recorded flood on June 24, with a peak discharge of 11 400 m³/s (402 600 ft³/s) and water levels rising 11 m (36 feet) above the seasonal average.
The early arrival of the East Asian monsoon season, up to one month ahead of schedule, combined with tropical influences, has contributed to the scale and intensity of the rainfall.
The Pingyong, Zhaihao, and Duliu rivers are flooding. Guizhou authorities launched integrated response measures involving transportation, police, and hydrology agencies. Further risk remains due to forecasted rainfall through June 27.
As of June 24, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated due to rising water levels and flood-related hazards. Rivers in both the Pearl and Yangtze River basins were reported to be above flood warning thresholds, with local authorities warning of continued danger over the following three days.
References:
1 A highway bridge in China’s Guizhou collapses due to continuous heavy rain; no casualties reported – Global Times – June 24, 2025
2 Heavy rain leaves southwest China under water; more storms on horizon – Reuters – June 24, 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.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.