Torrential rain has triggered flash floods across multiple areas of Danzhai County in southwest China's mountainous Guizhou Province, leading to sudden mountain floods, and inundating many riverside villages.
From 08:00 Friday to 09:00 Saturday, Danzhai recorded up to 284.3 millimeters of precipitation. Among the worst-hit areas was Nangao Township, where rainfall reached 180.8 millimeters within just over 30 hours.
The flooding submerged numerous homes located near the banks of the Qingshui River running through the area. In Shiqiao Village of Nangao, the outer walls of some houses were toppled by the powerful current, and traditional wooden houses and viewing pavilions were swept away entirely. Water levels at their peak nearly reached the height of an adult, submerging the entire first floor of many houses.
Although the floodwaters have since receded to within the river channel, the flow remains swift. A suspension bridge crossing the river sustained serious structural damage and is now covered in debris washed downstream by the flood. Along the roads into the village, large stretches of farmland were left submerged underwater, and river embankments and access routes have suffered varying degrees of damage
In response to the disaster, local authorities swiftly initiated emergency measures to evacuate the affected villagers.
"There are two main ways of resettlement. One is centralized resettlement, which means villages with favorable conditions can resettle people in compounds of villagers' committees in higher terrain. Meanwhile, some other people can be resettled in the homes of their relatives in safe areas," said Bao Chengfu, head of Nangao Township.
To better deal with the situation, Danzhai County has elevated its flood emergency response from Level III to Level II. Emergency teams have been deployed to conduct door-to-door checks and evacuations along both sides of the river, with the focus on geological hazard zones and high-risk areas prone to landslides and debris flows.
Torrential rain triggers flash floods across multiple areas in southwest China county
Torrential rain triggers flash floods across multiple areas in southwest China county
