Torrential rains continued to batter southern China on Tuesday, causing severe flooding and prompting mass evacuations in parts of Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Huaiji County in Guangdong's Zhaoqing City was particularly hard hit, with urban streets submerged in flood water and tens of thousands evacuated.
The Sui River at the county's hydrological station reached a peak of 55.22 meters at 7:05 Wednesday local time, exceeding the warning level by 5.22 meters and marking the highest flood level since records began.
Authorities in Huaiji acted swiftly, initiating a top-level flood control emergency response on Tuesday evening. Schools, businesses, and transportation services were suspended, and all emergency shelters were opened.
Across the county, 19 towns have been affected, impacting over 78,000 people, with more than 29,000 evacuated. No casualties have been reported so far.
More than half of Huaiji's urban roads are still in flood, with water levels reaching up to three meters in some areas. Power and internet services are still disrupted.
Further south in Guangdong, Maoming City was swept by intense rainfall on Tuesday evening.
According to the meteorological department, the rainfall in the city's downtown area reached 100 to 140 millimeters in the two hours from 19:00 to 21:00 local time. The flood water in some street sections reached a depth of more than 0.5 meters, disrupting traffic and trapping some residents.
Also on Tuesday, heavy downpours lashed in central, southern, and coastal areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In Fangchenggang City, low-lying areas were submerged under up to 1.2 meters of water. Firefighters carried out emergency rescues to evacuate trapped residents.
Heavy rains flood cities in southern China
Leaders and senior officials of several European countries on Saturday voiced opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping 30 percent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports, urging the EU to implement countermeasures to defend its interests and maintain trade negotiations with the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly opposed the U.S. tariffs on EU goods, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the U.S. move and condemning the decision by the U.S. government.
He stressed that if no agreement is reached between EU and the United States by August 1, the EU should expedite preparations for credible countermeasures, using all available tools, including anti-coercion mechanisms.
Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche said that the U.S. tariff decision will not only harm European exporters but also have a significant impact on its own economy and consumers.
The EU should engage in pragmatic negotiations with the United States before the tariffs take effect, focusing on finding a solution to key points of clash, Reiche said, adding that Germany will fully support the EU's negotiating position.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof criticized the U.S. tariff decision as the wrong approach to solving issues, which has caused grave concern. He called on the EU to remain united and determined in pursuing a mutually beneficial solution with the United States.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed regret over the U.S. tariff decision, saying that the Swedish government supports the EU's ongoing efforts to seek a solution through negotiations with the United States. He also urged the EU to take strong countermeasures when necessary.
Kristersson said Sweden advocates for free trade and international cooperation, emphasizing that in escalating trade conflicts, all parties stand to lose.
European Council President Antonio Costa said free and fair trade can drive prosperity, create job opportunities, and strengthen supply chains, and in contrast, tariffs exacerbate inflation, create uncertainty, and hinder economic growth.
Costa said that the EU will continue to establish solid trade partnerships globally and stands ready to safeguard its interests, noting the European Council fully supports the European Commission in reaching a fair agreement with the United States.
European countries oppose US tariffs on EU goods, call for retaliation
