Water levels in Huaiji, Guangdong reaches highest on record, prompting Level I emergency

Huaiji County, Guangdong, faced its largest flood since records began, with Suijiang Huaiji Station recording a peak water level of 55.22 meters (181.17 feet) on June 18, 2025, prompting a county-wide shutdown. Rescue operations saved dozens as floodwaters inundated the region.

In Huaiji, Guangdong, the water level is approaching the historical record, 7 meters higher than usual! pic.twitter.com/APZ7EVnxD9

— Jim (@yangyubin1998) June 17, 2025

The peak was measured at Suijiang Huaiji Station in Huaiji County, Zhaoqing City, where floodwaters rose to 55.22 m (181.17 feet), surpassing the alert level of 50 m (164 feet) and breaking the long-standing record of 54.8 m (179.8 feet) from July 22, 1955. The measurement was taken at 07:05 LT on June 18. By 09:45 LT, the water level had slightly receded to 54.94 m (180.25 feet).

This was the fourth Hongfeng (flood crest) transit event this season and was caused by prolonged and intense rainfall in the upper catchment of the Suijiang River.

In response, the county’s Three Defense Command issued a Level I flood emergency at 19:00 LT on June 17. Local authorities implemented a “five stops” policy, halting school, work, production, operations, and commerce, excluding essential and emergency services. Emergency shelters were activated, and residents were instructed to stay indoors.

Currently, flooding is underway as water levels have risen to around 7 meters above normal, nearing historic highs in Huaiji, Guangdong, China. pic.twitter.com/Nbv8vLbcYx

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 17, 2025

Floodwaters submerged large areas of Huaiji County, including intersections and urban roadways, leading to widespread power disruptions. At several locations near the Suijiang River, water levels rose rapidly by more than 10 m (32.8 feet) within three hours. Several bridges and low-lying infrastructure were reported as fully submerged.

Rescue operations mobilized across the county with coordinated support from Zhaoqing Fire, Guangzhou fire units, Zhaoqing Forest Fire, and the Seven Star Veterans Emergency Rescue Center. The Guangdong Blue Sky Rescue Team deployed over 20 personnel and completed 17 operations by 06:00 LT on June 18, rescuing 82 people.

Storm boats were used to reach flooded areas. According to team captain Chi Xiang, navigating the river was dangerous due to strong currents that caused vessels to drift. One mission rescued five people trapped in a clinic located approximately 100 m (328 feet) from the Suijiang River, where water had reached chest level. Another operation involved transporting a 59-year-old man with mobility issues to Huaiji County People’s Hospital by ambulance.

The Huaiji hydrometric station in Zhaoqing, South China’s Guangdong Province, recorded a peak water level of 55.22 meters at 7:05 am on Wednesday, 5.22 meters above the warning level of 50 meters, marking the highest flood level since the station was established, according to the… pic.twitter.com/HISBycx7qC

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 18, 2025

Zhaoqing City’s Hydrographic Bureau had upgraded its emergency response level to III at 00:00 LT on June 18, following a recorded water level of 54.82 m (179.86 feet) at 01:40 LT, which already exceeded the 1955 historical peak. The bureau confirmed the severity of the flood through continued hydrometric monitoring.

While some residents experienced complete service disruption, others retained partial access to water and electricity. One vehicle owner was able to move assets to higher ground.

References:

¹ 广东绥江怀集段洪水上涨突破历史最高水位，当地二手车行老板：有水有电，车辆已转移 – 潇湘晨报 – June 18, 2025

² 广东绥江怀集（二）站出现55.22米洪峰水位，是建站以来最大洪水 – 澎湃新闻 – June 18, 2025

³ 全城泡水里，广东一县停课、停工、停产、停运、停业 – 新民周刊 – June 18, 2025

Feature image credit: Jim Yang