Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in southern China, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and leaving at least 11 residents missing. The ongoing rainstorms in Guangdong province have arrived earlier than usual for the region's flood season, raising concerns about the potential effects of climate change in the area.

China has been experiencing more frequent and severe extreme weather events, putting a strain on the country's top-down and centralized leadership under President Xi Jinping. These weather events may also be undermining the effectiveness of local governments in responding to such disasters.

The torrential downpours are not only affecting the lives of the people affected but also pose a threat to China's economic recovery. Guangdong, a densely populated and economically vital region, has been hit hard by the floods. Home to over 127 million people, Guangdong is considered the country's economic powerhouse and a key manufacturing and commercial hub.

Since Thursday, the region has been pounded by heavy rain that triggered landslides, burying buildings, and causing widespread flooding in villages and cities. On Sunday, provincial authorities issued 148 rainstorm alerts, warning that the water levels in the Bei River could reach levels not seen in half a century.

Disturbing footage captured by Chinese media shows rescue workers battling against the elements to save residents, pulling them out of cars and homes and ferrying them to safety on dinghies along submerged roads. So far, more than 82,000 individuals have been evacuated from their homes, as the storms have caused widespread power outages, affecting at least 1.16 million households. Additionally, over 1,000 schools had to close their doors on Monday due to the adverse weather conditions.

As the rains persisted, four weather stations in the region recorded record-breaking precipitation for the month of April on Sunday, underscoring the severity of the situation. The situation worsened further as communication links with Jiangwan township in Guangdong were severed on Sunday, cutting off around 3,600 residents. Although partial restoration has been achieved through the use of satellite connections and drones, a group of 80 rescuers embarked on an overnight trek to reach the area, where several buildings have been covered by landslides.

Adding to the chaos, a cross-country race had to be abruptly halted on Sunday as participants found themselves temporarily trapped in the woods, with floodwaters rising as high as their waists. Thankfully, they were eventually rescued.

As the floods continue to wreak havoc in southern China, the economic consequences and the impact on the affected communities remain a pressing concern. The unprecedented levels of rain and the early arrival of the flood season highlight the urgent need for further research and action on climate change in order to mitigate future disasters.