Southern China Floods: Qinzhou Residents Evacuated After Rare April Rain

Over 270mm of rain fell in Qinzhou in 24 hours, causing rare April floods. This is much more rain than usual for this time of year.
By Newsroom | Weather, China |

Rare April Floods Submerge Qinzhou, Hundreds Displaced

Torrential rains, a rarity for April, have descended upon Qinzhou city in Guangxi, southern China, leading to significant flooding. Over 200 residents were forced from their homes as water levels rose dramatically.

The city's meteorological station documented over 270 millimeters (approximately 10 inches) of rainfall within a 24-hour period ending Monday morning. Rescue efforts saw personnel utilizing inflatable boats to reach individuals trapped in their homes, with some footage depicting rescuers wading through chest-high water and carrying elderly residents.

Contextual Echoes of Past Deluges

This unseasonable inundation in late April marks a significant event, contrasting with typical weather patterns for the region. The scale of rainfall recorded is noted as the highest for a single day in April.

Previous Flood Events Paint Grim Picture

The recent flooding in Qinzhou echoes a series of severe weather events that have impacted China in recent years. Last year, particularly during the traditional rainy seasons of July and August, multiple regions experienced devastating floods.

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  • In July 2025, Beijing and its surrounding provinces, including Hebei, Liaoning, and Shandong, were hit by torrential rains and landslides, resulting in significant casualties. State media reported at least 30 deaths in Beijing alone, with national figures reaching at least 38, and over 80,000 people evacuated from the capital. A relief fund of US$77 million was subsequently released by China.

  • Earlier in July 2025, provinces such as Henan, Hubei, and Guizhou were declared the worst-hit, with rivers overflowing and inundating streets and buildings. Nine fatalities were reported, with several individuals missing, and tens of thousands evacuated.

  • June 2025 also saw substantial rainfall across southern and central China, triggering severe flooding that forced thousands to evacuate. Provinces like Guizhou and Guangxi were among the most affected, with some areas experiencing over 300 mm of rain in under 24 hours, leading to collapsed infrastructure and widespread damage. Chongqing alone reported nearly 300 evacuations due to similar rainfall amounts.

  • In early August 2025, Gansu province experienced floods that claimed 10 lives.

These recurring events underscore a pattern of vulnerability to heavy rainfall and its cascading consequences across various regions of China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Qinzhou in southern China have floods in April?
Qinzhou experienced rare and heavy rainfall in April, with over 270 millimeters falling in 24 hours. This unusual amount of rain caused significant flooding in the city.
Q: How many people had to leave their homes in Qinzhou because of the floods?
Over 200 residents were forced to leave their homes due to the rising water levels. Rescue teams used boats to help people trapped in their houses.
Q: Is this kind of flooding normal for Qinzhou in April?
No, this is considered a rare event for April. The amount of rain recorded was the highest for a single day in April for the region, which usually does not see such heavy downpours this month.
Q: What happened during the rescue efforts in Qinzhou?
Rescue workers used inflatable boats to reach people stuck in their homes. Some rescuers were seen wading through chest-high water to help residents, including elderly people.
Q: Have other parts of China had similar flood problems recently?
Yes, China has seen severe weather events in recent years. Last year, in July 2025, Beijing and other provinces like Hebei, Liaoning, and Shandong were hit by heavy rains and landslides, causing deaths and many evacuations.