China issues flood warnings after heavy rain in southern regions
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China is facing more frequent and unpredictable heavy rain, which meteorologists attribute to climate change.
PHOTO: AFP
HONG KONG – China's National Meteorological Centre (NMC) on May 28 issued alerts for heavy rain and flooding in southern regions, forecasting the most intense storms of the year so far.
It flagged a high risk of mountain floods, geological disasters and localised flooding in southern provinces and regions due to strong rainfall including in Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong and Guizhou.
In Jiangxi, forecasts showed torrential rain in some areas may reach more than 150mm, while in Guangxi, authorities braced for flash floods, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
In southern city Shenzhen, several train operations were suspended over May 28 to 29 due to heavy rain, authorities said. In coastal Fujian province, some sections of the high-speed rail and other train lines were suspended until May 29.
China faces longer, more intense heat waves
The country is especially vulnerable to climate change, authorities have said, because of its huge population.
Heavy rain in Guangdong province, the Guangxi region and Guizhou province has led to the deaths of at least 13 people and disappearance of several others.
Dozens of people became trapped after landslides in Guizhou, prompting authorities to send the military to assist in their rescue. REUTERS
