What is the location of the flooding?
As of May 22, 2026, torrential rain has triggered widespread flooding across southern and central China, particularly in Guangdong, Hunan, and Hubei provinces.
Rivers overflowed after days of intense rainfall, damaging roads, bridges, and homes in urban and rural communities.
Authorities warned that continued downpours and saturated ground conditions could increase the risk of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding has severely affected several cities and counties across southern and central China, including:
- Shimen County, Hunan.
- Yangchun, Guangdong.
- Enping, Guangdong.
- Kaiping, Guangdong.
- Xuan’en County, Hubei.
- Jingzhou, Hubei.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Managing the flooding remains difficult as heavy rainfall continues across several provinces. Emergency responders, firefighters, and rescue teams have been deployed to evacuate residents, search for missing people, and restore damaged infrastructure (2).
Multiple roads and bridges remain impassable due to flooding and landslides, while authorities continue monitoring river levels and issuing updated weather advisories as additional rainfall is forecast (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Chinese authorities have issued flood and severe weather alerts across southern and central provinces, warning residents to avoid flood-prone roads, rivers, and mountainous areas vulnerable to landslides.
Evacuations and temporary class suspensions were ordered in some affected communities, while rescue services continue assisting stranded residents and monitoring high-risk zones as rainfall persists (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
