Typhoon Maysak has killed two people in Nanning, China, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate as extreme flooding hits the southern Guangxi province. The tropical storm caused dam breaches and submerged roads, with authorities raising the flood control emergency response to its highest level.
Deaths and evacuations in Nanning
Two fatalities were reported in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi. About 55,000 people were affected by floods, and approximately 48,000 were evacuated, according to deputy mayor Wei Jiang on Monday. Water was overflowing or breaking through barriers at at least three reservoirs.
Extreme flooding and emergency response
The flood control emergency response was elevated to the highest level due to "extremely heavy rain" that could worsen conditions and hamper rescue efforts. In Guigang, about 270 km away, flood waters turned a wide road into a lake, submerging cars and cascading into a building site. The water level at Guigang hydrological station reached 42 metres by 12.30 pm, the ministry of water resources stated.
Impact in other cities
In Fangchenggang, a video showed a small car being washed down a street, with water rising to the level of another car's steering wheel. A man struggled to keep his electric scooter from being swept away.
Super Typhoon Bavi approaching
China is also on alert for Super Typhoon Bavi, moving across the Pacific towards Taiwan. The US National Weather Service reported winds up to 180 mph as it passed over Guam, Tinian, Saipan and Rota. Weather authorities warned Bavi would bring strong winds and heavy rain to eastern China from Thursday, according to Xinhua.
Climate crisis and economic risks
China faces growing threats from extreme weather linked to the climate crisis. Analysts say weather-related risks could wipe out tens of billions of dollars annually as cities flood, industrial activity stalls, and crops are submerged.
Storm path and rainfall forecast
Maysak made landfall in Hainan on Friday, the first tropical cyclone to reach the Chinese mainland this year. It made a second landfall in Vietnam on Sunday, bringing down trees and ripping metal roofs in Mong Cai, state media reported. Heavy rainfall is expected across Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan and other regions in coming days, areas home to over 150 million people.
