During the four hours from 16:00 to 20:00 on Sunday, Guangzhou witnessed heavy citywide rainstorms. 21 stations in the city recorded over 50 millimeters of rainfall and two reported over 100. As a result, at 17:00 on Sunday the government launched a level IV emergency plan to prevent flooding.

Downtown Gangding in Tianhe district became a river Sunday, stranding shoppers and traffic. (Guangzhou Daily)

Because of continuous rain in the province Guangzhou is facing serious flood dangers, with the northern and western areas of the city experiencing the worst flooding in two decades. Three medium-sized and seven small-sized reservoirs have surpassed their warning levels.

The showers created a major inconvenience for locals as many downtown roads became rivers because of drains blocked by garbage. First-floor businesses and residences were the hardest hit by the deluge.

A worker tries to get water out of a flooded restaurant. (Guangzhou Daily)

The Meteorological Station forecasts more heavy showers for Monday and Tuesday. After June 19, rainfall should lessen gradually.

Editor: Yan