Severe Flooding and Heatwaves Cause Devastation Across Asia

Guangdong province in southern China has once again faced severe flooding, only two months after the late April floods and landslides that resulted in over 50 deaths. On Sunday, June 16, heavy rainfall battered the region, with Pingyuan county receiving an average of 199mm. The town of Sishui recorded the highest rainfall at 367mm, and three other areas saw totals surpassing 300mm.

The relentless rain continued throughout the week, triggering severe flooding, landslides, and mudslides as the Shiku and Songyuan rivers overflowed. The flooding has led to 47 deaths, primarily in Meizhou city, with an estimated direct economic loss of $500 million (£400 million).

Simultaneously, northern China is enduring a severe drought due to weeks of minimal rainfall and extreme heat. Since early June, temperatures have consistently ranged between the 30s and 40s Celsius, causing a prolonged heatwave that is severely impacting crops, the energy sector, and public health. In Henan province alone, 72 weather stations have reported severe drought conditions, and over 20 stations in the neighboring provinces of Hebei and Shandong have noted record temperatures this month.

The drought is particularly alarming for the agricultural sector, as the period from mid-May to mid-June is crucial for harvesting and planting autumn crops.

South Korea has also been experiencing unprecedented heat this month. The national meteorological administration has reported the hottest June on record. On Wednesday, June 19, heatwave warnings were issued for 92 regions across the country. Several cities, including Gwangju and Daejeon, broke their June temperature records, reaching 37.2°C (99°F) and 36.1°C (97°F) respectively. Although Seoul did not set a new record, it experienced the hottest June day since 1958, with temperatures peaking at 35.6°C (96°F). This extreme heat is attributed to high pressure combined with warm westerly winds.

Other parts of the world, including India, Mexico, the US, the Middle East, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean, have also been experiencing extreme heatwaves.

Why This Matters: The recent severe weather events highlight the growing impact of climate change on global weather patterns. The combination of flooding and heatwaves underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects on public health, agriculture, and economies worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Severe flooding in Guangdong province, China, has resulted in 47 deaths and significant economic losses.
• Northern China is experiencing a severe drought, with record high temperatures and substantial impacts on agriculture.
• South Korea has recorded its hottest June on record, with multiple cities breaking temperature records.
• The extreme weather is attributed to climate change and shifting global weather patterns.
• Other regions worldwide, including India and the US, are also facing severe heatwaves.