China: Floods - May 1987

Serious flooding has occurred in Guangdong province in southern China. Up to 70 deaths have been reported, and more than 10,000 hectares of farmland involving 31 villages were reported to be under water in the worst affected area, Zhangpu County. An assessment indicated the possibility of 158,000 hectares of farmland swamped and 5,300 houses washed away. 350,000 people were evacuated to safe areas. Guangzhou city reported that these were the worst floods since 1974 and 4 major rivers in provinces were flowing at two metres above the danger level. (UN DHA, 26 May 1987)