Severe flooding across southern China has killed between 26 [1] and 39 [2] people following days of torrential rainfall this month.

The disaster highlights the vulnerability of regional infrastructure to extreme weather and creates immediate public health risks as wildlife enters urban centers.

The flooding primarily affected the Guangxi region, with heavy impacts reported in the cities of Hengzhou, Guigang, and Nanning [1, 2, 3]. The crisis was triggered by heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Maysak [3], while other reports indicate that storms Wutip and Bavi are also approaching the region [3, 4].

In Hengzhou, the situation escalated after a dam breach caused roads to turn into rivers [1]. Local reports said hundreds of snakes were roaming the flooded streets [3], creating additional danger for residents, students, and school staff attempting to navigate the water. Emergency workers have been deployed to manage evacuations and rescue operations in the inundated areas [1, 2].

Casualty figures vary by source. NBC News said 26 people died in Hengzhou following the dam breach [1], while The Washington Post said the total death toll was 39 across southern China as of July 9 [2]. Additionally, nine people remain missing [4].

Authorities continue to monitor the approaching storm systems as the region struggles to clear floodwaters and secure damaged infrastructure [3, 4].

“hundreds of snakes roaming the flooded streets”

The convergence of dam failures and the displacement of wildlife like snakes suggests that existing urban drainage and flood-defense systems in Guangxi are struggling to keep pace with the intensity of modern tropical storms. As multiple storm systems—including Maysak, Wutip, and Bavi—impact the region in short succession, the saturation of the soil increases the likelihood of further landslides and infrastructure collapses.