Massive river flooding expected in China's Guangdong, threatening millions

Major rivers, waterways and reservoirs in China's Guangdong province are threatening to unleash dangerous floods.

The government was forced to enact emergency response plans to protect more than 127 million people, Asharq Al-Awsat reports citing the state broadcaster CCTV news on April 21.

Calling the situation "grim", local weather officials said sections of rivers and tributaries at the Xijiang and Beijiang river basins are hitting peak water levels that only happen once in 50 years.

Massive flooding is expected at the Beijiang basin, CCTV said quoting China's water resource ministry, prompting it to raise an emergency advisory.

Guangdong officials urged departments in all localities and municipalities to begin emergency planning to avert natural disasters and promptly disperse disaster relief funds and materials to ensure affected people have food, clothing, water and a place to live.

The province has seen torrid downpours and strong winds since April 20 evening due to severe convective weather which has affected several parts of China over the past few weeks, Reuters reported.