More than 53,000 evacuated in central China over heavy rain: state media

Heavy rainfall is currently affecting central and southern China, leading to significant evacuations in Hunan province. State news agency Xinhua reported that over 53,000 people in Hunan had been evacuated by 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The province is anticipating more torrential rain, with some isolated areas expected to experience "extremely heavy" downpours. Since Wednesday, certain parts of Hunan have already recorded over 400 millimeters (16 inches) of precipitation.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has also issued warnings for heavy rain across southern and central China for Saturday, highlighting a "significant threat of mountain flood disasters" in some regions. This warning follows recent severe weather events, including the evacuation of nearly 70,000 people in southern China due to heavy flooding from Typhoon Wutip, which occurred earlier in June 2025. Last month, northern and central China experienced record-breaking heat in May, with temperatures in several major cities exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

China has consistently faced extreme weather, from intense heat and droughts to heavy rains and floods, over the past few summers. The country, while being the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is also a leader in renewable energy and aims to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2060. For context, last August, Typhoon Gaemi caused torrential rains in eastern mainland China after moving from the Philippines and Taiwan, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and dozens missing.