China expects severe flooding, drought in 2026
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A resident moving his belongings in a flooded house after days of heavy rainfall in August 2025 in Qingyuan, Guangdong.
PHOTO: REUTERS
HONG KONG – China is likely to face severe flooding and drought in several parts of the country in 2026, state broadcaster CCTV said on April 1.
Citing the Ministry of Water Resources, the broadcaster reported that 2026’s flood season, beginning on April 1, will see more severe flooding in the traditionally arid north of the country, while typhoons may move northwards and affect inland areas.
From April to May, some areas in the Pearl River Delta, Fujian, Zhejiang and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River may experience floods that exceed warning levels.
Areas in the south-west may experience periods of drought.
From June to August, some areas, including the Songliao River basin, Hai River and Pearl River, may experience major floods.
During the same period, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and northern Xinjiang may experience periods of drought due to high temperatures and low rainfall. REUTERS
