Leading Weather Warning News Paint Apocalyptic Picture

Deadly China Flooding in Southern Region

Several days of torrential rain triggered a massive flooding event across southern China over the last several days. Rescuers rushed to help residents that were trapped in the rising floodwaters.

Over 110,000 residents were evacuated out of the Guangdong province, an area that is home to about 127 million people.

At least four people have died in Guangdong, according to state news agency Xinhua. One of the fatalities was a rescue worker. In addition to the confirmed fatalities, at least 10 more people are still missing.

The Pearl River Delta region of the country has been hit by heavy rain since April 16. This highly populated region has seen record rainfall for the month.

While the rainy season typically kicks off in April in this part of China, the Pearl River Basin has experienced even higher amounts of moisture in recent years. Scientists blame the climate crisis for the increase in severe weather events such as this.

It was just last year that China experienced an onslaught of record rainfall during the flood season. At least 346 weather stations reported new monthly records, according to data from the China Meteorological Administration.

There have been 44 rivers across the Pearl River Basin that have seen water levels swell above the warning line. Water levels approaching these levels mean that overflowing banks are a greater risk.

For example, the Bei River is expected to swell above the warning limit of 19 feet. The tributary that flows into the Pearl River previously burst its banks earlier in the month.

The flooding happening at the Bei River marks the earliest date in history that China has seen the highest classification of flood measurements. Flooding of this severity typically does not happen until the end of June.

Video footage shows murky water rushing through streets and sweeping away vehicles. The heavy rain has also brought down tree limbs and generated landslides.

At least six people were injured in a landslide that roared through Shaoguan city in the northern mountainous terrain of the province.

Several cities have had to cancel school due to the flooding emergency. The extreme weather has also disrupted flights in and out of the major cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Over 80 homes have either been seriously damaged or destroyed, putting the total economic loss at about $20 million thus far.

Unfortunately, more rain is in the forecast for Guangdong this week. For example, Shaoguan city has rain in the forecast every day for the next two weeks.

The weather this weekend is set to see heavy rainfall along with the chance of severe thunderstorms. The additional moisture will only exacerbate the flooding risk in this part of China. Temperatures will remain warm in Shaoguan city with highs in the upper 70s and 80s.

You will find a similar forecast in Shenzhen. The rain will not let up in this area with the chance of severe storms remaining a constant threat. It will be muggy with high humidity levels and highs that hover in the 80s.

Taiwan Earthquake Strikes Again

The island nation of Taiwan was hit with another major earthquake this week. According to the Central Weather Administration, the magnitude 6.1 Taiwan earthquake shook the country early Tuesday morning.

The tremor hit about a mile away from Shouting Township in Hualien County. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that Tuesday's earthquake was the latest in a series of events that have been rattling Taiwan since the start of the week.

Tuesday's earthquake was felt in the capital city of Taipei. Residents reported that buildings began to sway and windows rattled throughout the metropolitan area.

Taiwan has seen a surge of aftershocks following a deadly earthquake that struck the region of Hualien on April 3.

At least 17 fatalities were confirmed as a result of this 7.2 magnitude earthquake that triggered landslides and left the Hualien metropolitan area severely damaged.

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