Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Qinzhou in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and some streets have already flooded and drivers are stuck as water levels rise rapidly across parts of the city. Videos and images from the affected areas showed roads covered by floodwater, with cars partially or extensively submerged.
The flooding was reported in Qinzhou on October 7 after heavy rainfall hit areas of southern China. Some places reported more than 360 millimetres of rain in one hour in Qinzhou and rain was observed in some areas and the intensity of intense rainfall was as high as 143 millimetres in one hour. The extreme rains caused water to flood the city and caused water to accumulate quickly in urban areas, causing traffic and daily life to be disrupted.
Streets turn into Flooded Channels
Several roads in Qinzhou were overwhelmed as rainwater accumulated faster than drainage systems could clear it. Footpaths, residential areas and roads were inundated with water and motorists faced difficult road accessibility as visibility and road access deteriorated.
Video from the city showed cars and vehicles in floodwater and some cars were partially submerged in water. Underground garages were also affected, adding to the situation for parked vehicles and properties in low-lying areas.
The water levels were rising so fast that even regular traffic was difficult or impossible for some roads. Drivers stuck in flooded areas were stranded as the depth of the water rose and residents monitored the changing weather conditions.
Heavy Rainfall causes Rapid Waterlogging.
The intensity of the rainfall was a major reason behind the fast flooding. In some places, rainfall amounts were over 360 mm, and on average, rainfall in the area was around 143 mm. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm urban drainage networks in such concentrated rainfall in a short time, especially if water accumulates over a few hours.
Qinzhou has experienced major flooding in the past during periods of extreme rainfall. In April 2026, torrential rain also caused such heavy urban flooding in the city, where Qinzhou and other areas were inundated with more than 500 mm of rain in a 12-hour period. More than 200 residents were evacuated in that one incident.
The repeated episodes highlight the vulnerability of parts of Guangxi to intense rainfall and sudden urban waterlogging.
As water levels rise, vehicles are stranded.
One of the most visible effects of the recent flooding has been the number of vehicles caught on waterlogged roads. Cars were captured in deep water in Qinzhou and some vehicles were submerged to substantial levels.
The flooding of roads can be dangerous for drivers as water depth can be hard to gauge and strong currents or hidden obstacles can add to the danger of driving through floodwater. People are generally told to avoid driving through rapidly rising floodwater and to move to higher ground when it gets too dangerous.
FUERTES LLUVIAS PROVOCAN SEVERAS INUNDACIONES EN GUANGXI, CHINA 🇨🇳| Las intensas precipitaciones provocaron severas inundaciones en Qinzhou, en la región de Guangxi, China, dejando calles anegadas y decenas de vehículos parcialmente cubiertos por el agua. Los residentes permanecen en alerta ante la posibilidad de que las lluvias continúen y aumente la acumulación de agua. Las autoridades mantienen vigilancia sobre las condiciones meteorológicas. https://t.co/13dEn2tpPT
— News On Demand (@OnDemand_News) October 7, 2026
Flooding also poses challenges to emergency teams trying to reach affected areas. Blocked roads and submerged streets can slow rescue efforts and make it difficult for emergency vehicles to access flooded areas.
Residents Remain On Alert
As the weather situation was worsening, people in affected parts of Qinzhou were advised to keep an eye on weather updates and local warnings. According to reports, authorities were monitoring the situation as rain continued to impact Guangxi.
There were no deaths reported in the initial reports about the October 7 flooding but the immediate impacts were primarily in terms of waterlogging, stranded vehicles and damage to urban infrastructure. However, flooding conditions can change rapidly, and the situation remained subject to further updates.
Guangxi faces recurring Extreme Rainfall
Guangxi is in southern China and has a strong susceptibility to heavy rains, especially during periods of intense weather activity. Qinzhou and the rest of the region have seen flood events that forced emergency evacuations and rescue operations.
In April, during a major flooding event, authorities reported waterlogging in Qinzhou and nearby areas. At least 800 people were evacuated from flooded areas of Qinzhou and emergency personnel used inflatable boats to reach stranded residents.
The latest flooding is once again putting urban drainage, flood preparedness and emergency responses in heavy rain in the spotlight.
The immediate concern for residents is safety as authorities track water levels and weather conditions. People in the affected areas that are flooded and cars stranded will have to follow local advisories, avoid flooded routes and move to safer areas if water levels continue to rise.
