Severe Flooding Hits Shenzhen as City Battles Torrential Rains
Shenzhen has been hit by a severe rainstorm, causing significant flooding and disruptions in the city. The storm, which brought strong winds of up to 10 levels and heavy rainfall of approximately 20mm, was part of a larger weather pattern that also affected other areas, including Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. A red and yellow alert for heavy rain and strong winds was issued for the entire city, as the storm was expected to move from west to east, affecting the whole city. This weather pattern was associated with the remnants of a strong typhoon that had landed in Fujian Province.
15 March 2025
The storm caused significant flooding, with some areas experiencing water levels that reached as high as the thighs. Public transportation, including parts of the metro system, was affected, with some lines and stations closed due to flooding. The flooding also impacted daily life, with some residents needing to be evacuated and others experiencing disruptions to their commute and daily activities. Over 100,000 people were evacuated, with six people losing their lives and one person reported missing. The flooding resulted in the collapse of 23 houses and 65 landslides in Bao'an district, causing extensive damage to properties and infrastructure.
The local government and emergency services were actively involved in responding to the situation, with efforts to evacuate those in danger, clear flooded areas, and restore normal operations of public services. The severity of the storm led to comparisons with historical weather events, highlighting its exceptional nature. The Shenzhen government activated its emergency response plan, with the city's meteorological bureau issuing a red alert for heavy rain. The authorities also dispatched rescue teams and emergency services to affected areas, with many residents evacuated to safety.
The public's reaction to the torrential rain was one of shock and frustration, with many residents expressing their discontent on social media. The sudden and intense rain caused widespread disruptions, with many areas experiencing severe flooding, particularly in the districts of Bao'an and Longgang. The Shenzhen airport was forced to delay and cancel numerous flights, while the city's railway system was also severely disrupted. The flooding caused significant economic losses, with many businesses forced to close temporarily, and thousands of people affected by the disaster.
In response to the disaster, the Shenzhen government has promised to investigate the causes of the flooding and take measures to prevent such disasters from happening again in the future. The city's residents are also calling for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. According to Guangdong's weather forecast, a new, stronger cold front is expected to move into the northern part of the province, bringing heavy rain to the central and northern regions, with some areas experiencing torrential rain. Residents of Shenzhen should prepare for a potentially stormy weekend, with the city's residents showing resilience and solidarity in the face of the disaster.
