Severe Weather in China and Mexico Highlights Vulnerabilities and Need for Inclusive Disaster Preparedness

In late June 2025, severe weather events in China and Mexico led to significant flooding, casualties, and extensive damage, underscoring the vulnerabilities of certain communities to climate-related disasters.

In China, Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province experienced an exceptionally rare flood on June 24, with water flow peaking at 11,800 cubic meters per second—over 80 times the normal rate—resulting in at least six fatalities. The floodwaters submerged much of the low-lying urban area, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, including disruptions to power, water, and communication services. The iconic Village Super League soccer field was buried under a thick layer of silt, with fencing, stands, and steel-framed ticket booths destroyed. Cleanup efforts began promptly, with aims to resume play within two weeks.

Downstream, the Guangxi region faced significant flooding as waters from upstream Guizhou submerged towns and villages along the Liu River. Meilin township was notably affected, with water levels exceeding safe thresholds by more than four meters. The rapid onset of flooding overwhelmed local emergency response capabilities, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Compounding the situation, a tropical depression was expected to make landfall between Hainan Island and Guangdong province on June 26, raising concerns about potential secondary disasters such as landslides and dam overflows in southwestern regions, including Chongqing, Yunnan, and Sichuan. China’s economic planning agency allocated 200 million yuan ($28 million) in emergency funds to aid ongoing disaster relief in Guizhou, Guangdong, and Hunan.

In Mexico, Hurricane Erick made landfall on the Pacific Coast as a Category 3 storm on June 19, bringing sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm caused life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and storm surges, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The hurricane resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy in San Marcos, Guerrero, who was swept away by a current while attempting to cross a river with his mother.

Predominantly Afro-descendant populations in the Costa Chica region faced severe damage, including collapsed homes, flooded villages, and destroyed farmland. Community leaders have called for emergency aid and highlighted systemic neglect and racism in disaster response efforts. MUAFRO, an organization representing Afro-Mexican communities, stated: "This devastation is a direct consequence not only of climate change but also of the structural, institutional and systemic racism that has kept the Afro-Mexican people marginalised from development."

Afro-Mexicans, officially recognized as an ethnic group, have long endured significant social disparities. Established during the Spanish colonization in the 1500s, these communities face poverty rates more than 20% higher than the national average. Many Afro-Mexican communities are situated in hurricane-prone regions like Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, making them particularly vulnerable to climate disasters.

The recent severe weather events in China and Mexico serve as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather patterns, likely influenced by climate change. These incidents highlight the urgent need for inclusive disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies that address the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. As climate change continues to pose global challenges, it is imperative for governments and organizations to prioritize equitable and effective responses to protect all populations.