Authorities in Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, have initiated large-scale evacuation and rescue operations following unprecedented rainfall that caused significant flooding in the city. More than 800 residents were relocated as emergency teams worked to manage rising waters and restore essential services.

Between 8 a.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. on Monday, Qinzhou experienced 271.1 millimeters of rainfall, the highest daily total recorded for April and the earliest such extreme event in the city's history, according to local meteorological data. The intense precipitation resulted from a “training effect,” where successive storm cells repeatedly passed over the area, combined with strong low-level southerly winds meeting coastal convergence near Guangxi, sustaining heavy rains concentrated on Qinzhou.

The city’s flood control and drought relief headquarters warned that although the rain belt is expected to shift eastward and weaken by Wednesday, localized heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and convective weather could persist into Wednesday morning. Officials highlighted ongoing risks of urban waterlogging and secondary disasters during this period.

By Tuesday, floodwaters had receded in the main urban areas, but drainage operations continued in some residential compounds and underground garages. Specifically, authorities focused on nine severely flooded residential garages, with pumping efforts expected to conclude later in the day, enabling the gradual restoration of water and electricity supplies.

Rescue efforts involved personnel from emergency services, fire departments, and the People’s Armed Police Force. In one notable incident, three elderly residents and two children were evacuated from a second-floor apartment where floodwater had risen to chest level. Zhang Zhongyang, squad leader of one rescue team, described navigating strong currents to reach those trapped inside.

Local community workers also played a key role in helping vulnerable populations. In Wenfeng subdistrict, they assisted elderly residents by wading through floodwaters, while in Dongfeng community, teams supported drainage efforts and recovery of personal belongings in homes of low-income residents.

Officials continue to monitor weather conditions closely as they coordinate ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the record-breaking heavy rainfall.