Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, China - May 4, 2024

Storyline:
Torrential rains on Saturday lashed multiple cities in south China's Guangdong Province including Zhongshan and Zhuhai, with 58 rainstorm alerts in effect across the province.

It is the heaviest rainfall recorded in south China since 1961. Emergency response teams and local authorities have been working to move those at risk to safer areas.

Weather authorities said this round of extreme rainy weather is passing with the advent of sunlight over many areas in Guangzhou, the provincial capital.

From 8:00 to 17:00 Saturday, seven townships and sub-districts in Guangdong recorded precipitation of over 250 mm, and 65 townships and sub-districts recorded 100 mm to 250 mm, according to the Guangdong meteorological observatory.

Floods are in the towns of Sanxiang and Shenwan, essentially turning many of those streets into rivers where many cars are half-submerged.

A township in the city of Zhongshan recorded the highest precipitation of 385.9 mm.

Of the 58 rainstorm alerts in effect by around 15:00 Saturday, five were red alerts and 14 were orange alerts, according to the provincial meteorological authorities.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue.

The meteorological authorities in Zhongshan issued a red alert for rainstorms covering the whole city at 16:05 Saturday, with the precipitation in two areas within three hours reaching 100 mm. Local authorities have ordered the temporary closure of parks.

The rains have led to the temporary suspension of some bus services and the closure of some scenic spots in Zhuhai. One meteorological station recorded precipitation of 315.8 mm in six hours to noon. Another meteorological station recorded precipitation of 141 mm within one hour, the largest one-hour rainfall since records began in 1962.

On Saturday afternoon, police authorities in Zhuhai closed part of an expressway as there is a risk of a landslide.

The provincial meteorological authorities ordered precautions against flash floods and geological disasters as further rainstorms are expected in the coming days.

Shotlist:
Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, south China - May 4, 2024:
1. Various of rescuers towing lifeboat;
2. Various of rescuers rowing, entering flooded residential building;
3. Various of rescuers carrying stranded residents on lifeboat, relocating them to safety;
Zhuhai City, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, south China - May 4, 2024:
4. Various of heavy rain, stagnant water, wind blowing, flooded road system, park;
5. Various of bicycle rider, traffic, pedestrians under heavy rain;
6. Trees in storm.

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