South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and neighboring Guangdong Province have both raised flood alerts to the highest-level red warning as of Tuesday morning, following days of torrential rains brought by Typhoon Maysak.
Water Levels Exceed Warnings Across 55 Rivers
By 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, water levels at 70 monitoring stations on 55 rivers in Guangxi remained between 0.01 and 7.46 meters above warning levels, according to the regional hydrology center. The center warned that elevated water levels would persist in several river sections over the next 24 hours.
Guangdong's hydrology authorities reported that rising upstream inflows have continued to push up water levels along the Xijiang River. Based on a forecast of rising water levels, a red flood alert was issued for the section of Xijiang that runs through Fengkai County, Zhaoqing City of Guangdong.
Casualties and Evacuations in Nanning
Local authorities in Nanning City, the regional capital of Guangxi, confirmed at a press conference on Monday that two people were killed and about 55,000 others have been affected after torrential rains triggered flooding and breaches at several reservoirs. A total of 48,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas.
The casualties and evacuations occurred as Typhoon Maysak brought torrential rains to most parts of Nanning between 8 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Monday. Water levels at 59 rivers in Guangxi exceeded warning levels at 8 p.m. Monday.
Ongoing Risks and Forecast
The hydrology center cautioned that water levels will remain high in multiple river sections in the coming day, posing continued risks of flooding and further damage. Authorities in both regions are closely monitoring the situation and have deployed emergency response teams to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as necessary. The red flood alert, the highest in China's four-tier warning system, indicates a high likelihood of severe flooding and potential loss of life.
