Heavy Rain in Southern China and Hong Kong

Jun 18, 2026, 10:45
ChinaEnvironment
A2

Heavy Rain in Southern China and Hong Kong

華南與香港強降雨

Introduction

Leaders in Guangdong and Hong Kong started emergency plans because of very heavy rain.

由於強降雨，廣東與香港的領導人已啟動應急計劃。

Main Body

Guangdong moved 37,601 people to safe places. The government sent many workers, cars, and boats to help. Schools in Shenzhen and Zhuhai closed, and trains changed their times.

廣東將37,601人遷移至安全地帶。政府派遣了許多工作人員、車輛與船隻提供援助。深圳與珠海的學校停課，火車也調整了班次。

Hong Kong had a 'black rain signal' twice on June 18. This means the rain was very strong. Schools and shops closed. In Shenzhen, leaders told people to stay away from low areas because of floods.

香港在6月18日兩次發布「黑色暴雨警告信號」。這意味著降雨強度非常大。學校與商店紛紛關閉。在深圳，領導人提醒民眾遠離低窪地區以防洪澇。

Experts say the world is getting warmer. They say more people will have floods by the year 2050. If we protect the air and nature, we can save money and lives in the future.

專家表示全球氣候正在變暖。他們預測到2050年，將有更多人遭受水災影響。如果我們保護空氣與自然環境，未來將能節省開支並挽救生命。

Conclusion

No people died. The rain will continue in southern Guangdong until Thursday. It will stop on Friday.

無人死亡。廣東南部將持續降雨至週四，週五才會停止。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ THE 'ACTION' PATTERN

In this story, we see how leaders and governments do things. To reach A2, you need to describe actions in the past and future.

1. Things that happened (The Past) Look at these verbs. They all end in -ed:

  • Moved →\rightarrow Guangdong moved people.
  • Closed →\rightarrow Schools closed.
  • Changed →\rightarrow Trains changed times.

2. Things that will happen (The Future) Use will to talk about the future:

  • Will have →\rightarrow People will have floods.
  • Will continue →\rightarrow Rain will continue.
  • Will stop →\rightarrow It will stop on Friday.

Quick Vocabulary Bridge

  • Safe places →\rightarrow Areas where you are not in danger.
  • Low areas →\rightarrow Land that is close to the water level.

Vocabulary Learning

emergency (n.)
A dangerous situation that needs immediate action
Example:The hospital is ready for an emergency.
government (n.)
The group of people who rule a country or city
Example:The government makes new laws for the people.
signal (n.)
A sign or sound that gives information
Example:The red light is a signal to stop.
floods (n.)
A large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry
Example:Heavy rain can cause floods in the city.
experts (n.)
People who know a lot about a subject
Example:The experts say that the weather is changing.
protect (v.)
To keep something safe from harm
Example:We must protect the forest from fire.
continue (v.)
To keep happening or keep doing something
Example:The rain will continue for two more days.
B2

Emergency Measures Taken During Heavy Rain in Southern China and Hong Kong

華南與香港強降雨期間的應急措施

Introduction

Authorities in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong have started high-level emergency responses after experiencing continuous heavy rainfall.

廣東省與香港在經歷持續強降雨後，已啟動高層級的應急響應。

Main Body

In Guangdong Province, officials activated flood control and disaster relief plans, which led to the evacuation of 37,601 people from dangerous areas. To prevent accidents, the government deployed over 7,000 maintenance workers, nearly 3,000 support vehicles, and more than 2,000 generators. Additionally, the Fire and Rescue Corps provided 247 firefighters and 37 boats, while the Department of Water Resources inspected over 40,000 reservoirs and dykes. Consequently, schools in Shenzhen and Zhuhai were closed, and rail schedules were changed to ensure safety.

在廣東省，官員啟動了防洪救災計劃，導致 37,601 人從危險區域撤離。為了防止事故，政府部署了超過 7,000 名維護人員、近 3,000 輛支援車以及 2,000 多台發電機。此外，消防救援隊提供了 247 名消防員和 37 艘船，而水利部門則檢查了超過 40,000 個水庫與堤壩。因此，深圳和珠海的學校停課，鐵路時刻表也進行了調整以確保安全。

At the same time, the Hong Kong Observatory issued the 'black rain signal' twice on June 18, meaning rainfall exceeded 70mm per hour. This weather event, caused by a southwest monsoon and low pressure, forced schools and many businesses to close. In nearby Shenzhen, a red rain signal was issued, and officials warned people to avoid low-lying areas because of the high risk of landslides and mountain floods.

與此同時，香港天文台在 6 月 18 日兩次發布「黑色雨 hailed 警報」，意味著每小時雨量超過 70 毫米。這次由西南季風和低壓引起的天氣事件，迫使學校及許多企業關閉。在鄰近的深圳，則發布了紅色雨警，官員提醒民眾避開低窪地區，因為山崩和山洪的風險很高。

From a broader perspective, the G20 Climate Risk Atlas emphasizes that these events reflect global climate trends. The Atlas suggests that if carbon emissions remain high, more people will die from heat and 25 million residents could be at risk of river flooding by 2050. However, it also asserts that adopting low-carbon policies could significantly reduce the economic impact of climate disruptions by the year 2100.

從更廣泛的視角來看，G20 氣候風險圖集強調，這些事件反映了全球氣候趨勢。圖集指出，如果碳排放維持高位，到 2050 年將有更多人死於高溫，且 2,500 萬居民可能面臨河流氾濫的風險。然而，圖集也斷言，採取低碳政策可以在 2100 年前顯著降低氣候紊亂造成的經濟影響。

Conclusion

Although no deaths or injuries have been reported, weather forecasts suggest that heavy rain will continue in southern Guangdong until Thursday and will slowly decrease by Friday.

雖然目前尚未收到傷亡報告，但天氣預報顯示，廣東南部的強降雨將持續至週四，並於週五緩慢減少。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Leap': From Simple Facts to Logical Links

An A2 student says: "It rained a lot. Schools closed. People left their homes."

A B2 speaker says: "Because of the heavy rain, schools were closed, which led to the evacuation of thousands."

The Secret Ingredient: Connectors of Cause and Effect

To move toward B2, you must stop writing lists of sentences and start building chains of logic. In this article, we see three levels of sophistication:

  1. The Direct Link (Consequently): Instead of saying "And so," the text uses Consequently. This tells the reader that the second event happened as a direct result of the first. Example: "Schools were closed; consequently, students stayed home."

  2. The 'Which' Bridge (...which led to...): This is a powerhouse B2 move. Instead of starting a new sentence, use , which to describe the result of the previous clause. Article Insight: "...activated flood control plans, which led to the evacuation of 37,601 people."

  3. The Conditional Future (If... could...): B2 fluency requires talking about possibilities, not just facts. Notice the shift from the present news to the global warning: "If carbon emissions remain high... 25 million residents could be at risk."

💡 Vocabulary Upgrade: Precision over Simplicity

Stop using "do" or "get." Look at these high-impact verbs from the text that change the tone from basic to professional:

  • Put in place →\rightarrow Deployed (Used for workers/equipment)
  • Checked →\rightarrow Inspected (Formal examination)
  • Says →\rightarrow Asserts (Strongly stating a fact)
  • Make less →\rightarrow Reduce (Decreasing an amount)

Vocabulary Learning

evacuation (n.)
The process of moving people from a dangerous place to a safer one.
Example:The emergency evacuation of the building was completed in under ten minutes.
deployed (v.)
To move troops or equipment into position for military or strategic action.
Example:The city deployed additional police officers to manage the crowds during the festival.
reservoirs (n.)
Large natural or artificial lakes used as a source of water supply.
Example:During the drought, the water levels in the reservoirs dropped significantly.
monsoon (n.)
A seasonal prevailing wind in South and Southeast Asia, bringing heavy rain.
Example:The region prepares for the annual monsoon season by reinforcing drainage systems.
emphasizes (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasizes the importance of practicing grammar every day.
asserts (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The scientist asserts that the new data proves the theory of climate change.
disruptions (n.)
Disturbances or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process.
Example:Severe weather caused major disruptions to the national rail network.
C2

Implementation of Emergency Protocols Amidst Severe Precipitation in Southern China and Hong Kong

華南與香港在強降雨期間實施緊急協定

Introduction

Authorities in Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have activated high-level emergency responses following sustained heavy rainfall.

廣東省與香港特別行政區在持續強降雨後，已啟動高層級的應急響應。

Main Body

The administrative response in Guangdong Province involved the activation of a Level III flood control and a Level IV disaster relief emergency. This operational posture necessitated the relocation of 37,601 individuals from high-risk zones. To mitigate potential casualties, the provincial government deployed 7,226 maintenance personnel, 2,994 support vehicles, and 2,108 generators, while the Fire and Rescue Corps positioned 247 firefighters and 37 boats. Furthermore, the Department of Water Resources conducted 41,768 inspections of reservoirs and dykes. Logistical disruptions included the suspension of educational activities in Shenzhen and Zhuhai, alongside the modification of rail schedules by the China Railway Guangzhou Group.

廣東省的行政應對包括啟動三級防洪與四級救災應急方案。此項操作部署要求將 37,601 人從高風險區域遷移。為了減少潛在傷亡，省政府調派了 7,226 名維修人員、2,994 輛支援車及 2,108 台發電機，而消防救援隊則部署了 247 名消防員與 37 艘船。此外，水利部門對水庫與堤壩進行了 41,768 次檢查。物流中斷包括深圳與珠海暫停教學活動，以及中國鐵路廣州集團調整列車時刻表。

Simultaneously, the Hong Kong Observatory issued the highest-tier 'black rain signal' on two separate occasions on June 18, indicating hourly precipitation exceeding 70mm. This meteorological event, attributed to a southwest monsoon and a low-pressure trough, resulted in the closure of schools and various commercial enterprises. In the adjacent city of Shenzhen, a red rain signal was hoisted, with officials cautioning against the occupation of low-lying areas due to the heightened probability of landslides and mountain floods.

與此同時，香港天文台於 6 月 18 日兩次發布最高級別的「黑色暴雨警告信號」，顯示每小時降雨量超過 70 毫米。此次氣象事件歸因於西南季風與低壓槽，導致學校及各類商業企業關閉。在鄰近的深圳市，則發布了紅色暴雨信號，官方警告民眾避免前往低窪地區，以防山崩與山洪暴發的可能性增加。

From a systemic perspective, the G20 Climate Risk Atlas posits that these events are indicative of broader climatic trends. The Atlas suggests that a high-emissions trajectory would exacerbate heat-related mortality and increase the vulnerability of 25 million residents to river flooding by 2050. It is further hypothesized that the adoption of low-carbon policies could reduce the projected GDP impact of climate-related disruptions from 6.33% to 2% by the year 2100.

從系統視角來看，G20 氣候風險圖集認為這些事件預示了更廣泛的氣候趨勢。圖集建議，高排放路徑將在 2050 年前加劇與高溫相關的死亡率，並增加 2,500 萬居民面對河流洪水的脆弱性。進一步假設，若採取低碳政策，到 2100 年，氣候相關干擾對 GDP 的預計影響可從 6.33% 降低至 2%。

Conclusion

While no casualties have been reported, meteorological forecasts indicate continued heavy precipitation in southern Guangdong through Thursday, with a gradual attenuation expected by Friday.

雖然目前未收到傷亡報告，但氣象預報顯示廣東南部至週四將持續強降雨，預計週五將逐漸減弱。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization and 'The Static Verb'

To migrate from B2 to C2, a student must move beyond action-oriented prose toward concept-oriented prose. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the linguistic process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns to create an objective, authoritative, and dense academic tone.

⚡ The Shift: From Process to Entity

B2 learners typically describe events as a sequence of actions. C2 mastery involves treating those actions as objects that can be manipulated within a sentence.

  • B2 approach: "Authorities responded quickly because it rained heavily for a long time." (Focus: Actor →\rightarrow Action →\rightarrow Cause)
  • C2 approach (Text): "...activated high-level emergency responses following sustained heavy rainfall." (Focus: The phenomenon of rainfall as a static noun phrase).

🔍 Deconstructing the 'Operational Posture'

Look at the phrase: "This operational posture necessitated the relocation of 37,601 individuals..."

In a lower-level text, we would see: "Because they were in this position, they had to move 37,601 people."

The C2 Alchemy here:

  1. The Nominal Subject: "Operational posture" replaces the clause "the way they were operating."
  2. The Precise Transitive Verb: "Necessitated" replaces the phrasal/common "made it necessary."
  3. The Nominalized Object: "Relocation" replaces the verb "to move."

🛠️ Advanced Application: Lexical Density

Notice the use of "gradual attenuation" in the conclusion. A B2 student would say "the rain will slowly stop."

By using "attenuation" (a noun), the writer transforms a temporal process (stopping) into a measurable state. This allows for the insertion of the modifier "gradual" without needing an adverb, increasing the lexical density of the sentence. This is the hallmark of C2 academic writing: maximizing information per word while maintaining a detached, clinical distance.

Key C2 Takeaway: To elevate your register, stop asking "Who did what?" and start asking "What phenomenon is occurring, and how can I name it as a noun?"

Vocabulary Learning

mitigate (v.)
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
Example:The government implemented new drainage systems to mitigate the effects of urban flooding.
posture (n.)
A particular strategy or state of readiness adopted by an organization or military force.
Example:The agency's operational posture shifted to high alert as the storm approached the coast.
attenuation (n.)
The reduction of the force, effect, or value of something.
Example:Meteorologists expect a gradual attenuation of the storm's intensity as it moves inland.
exacerbate (v.)
To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Example:Poor urban planning can exacerbate the damage caused by severe precipitation.
posits (v.)
To put forward as a basis for argument; to suggest or assume the existence of a fact.
Example:The scientific report posits that rising sea levels are directly linked to polar ice melt.
trajectory (n.)
The path followed by a projectile or an object; in a figurative sense, the development of a trend over time.
Example:The current emissions trajectory suggests that global temperatures will continue to rise sharply.
Practice All words in a crossword→