BEIJING — China is currently experiencing two severe weather extremes, with heavy rain and flooding necessitating the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in the south, while a heat wave in the north raises fears of drought for farmers.

At least one person has died due to the flooding. The body of a student who fell into a swollen river in the southern city of Guilin was recovered two days later on Saturday, according to state broadcaster CCTV. In other parts of the Guangxi region, heavy rains have inundated homes in several villages.

In the east, landslides and flooding have impacted parts of Fujian province, leading to the evacuation of 36,000 people, state media reported. One landslide trapped a truck in Songxi county, while videos posted online by the Quanzhou government showed vehicles submerged in muddy floodwaters in parts of the historic city.

The Chinese government has repeatedly urged enhanced disaster prevention and preparedness, anticipating more severe weather events due to climate change. Earlier this year, violent rain and hailstorms resulted in seven fatalities in eastern China’s Jiangxi province.

Meanwhile, much of northern China, including the capital, Beijing, has been experiencing high temperatures for the past week. The National Meteorological Center has issued a heat warning, predicting highs around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for Monday in parts of Beijing and nearby areas, as well as in the Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia regions to the west.

Hot weather has also been reported in Taiwan, the self-governing island claimed by China off its east coast. The temperature reached 36.6 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) in one township in Taitung county on Sunday, according to the island’s Central News Agency, citing the government weather agency.

The lack of rainfall in northern China has raised concerns about agricultural production this year. A Chinese vice premier, Liu Guozhong, called for drought prevention efforts on Saturday during an inspection tour of Hebei province, which borders Beijing. He emphasized the need for scientific allocation of water resources and strengthening water conservation for farming. He also advocated for helping farmers plant drought-resistant crops to ensure a stable autumn grain harvest, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

The severe weather conditions are part of a broader pattern of climate-related challenges that China has been facing. The government has been working to implement various measures to mitigate the impacts of these extreme weather events. This includes investing in infrastructure to better manage water resources, developing early warning systems, and improving community preparedness for natural disasters.

The southern regions affected by flooding are struggling with disrupted transportation, damaged infrastructure, and the displacement of residents. Emergency response teams have been deployed to provide relief and support, including temporary shelters and essential supplies for those affected. Authorities are also conducting rescue operations in areas where people are trapped or stranded by floodwaters.

In the north, the heat wave and potential drought are posing significant challenges for the agricultural sector. Farmers are facing difficulties in maintaining crop yields due to the high temperatures and lack of water. The government is encouraging the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and modern irrigation techniques to help mitigate the impact of the heat wave on agriculture.

The contrasting weather conditions underscore the importance of comprehensive climate adaptation and resilience strategies. China is focusing on enhancing its ability to respond to and recover from natural disasters, recognizing that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and severity of such events in the future.

As the country continues to navigate these weather extremes, the Chinese government remains committed to protecting its citizens and minimizing the adverse effects on its economy and environment. The experiences from these events will inform future policies and actions aimed at building a more resilient and sustainable society in the face of climate change.

Local governments across the affected regions have been instructed to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents, ensuring timely evacuation and providing necessary resources for those in need. In addition to physical infrastructure, efforts are being made to enhance psychological support for affected populations, acknowledging the mental toll such disasters can impose.

In Fujian province, community centers and schools have been converted into temporary shelters, offering food, medical care, and psychological counseling. Volunteers and local organizations are actively involved in relief operations, demonstrating a strong community spirit in the face of adversity.

In response to the drought concerns in the north, authorities are exploring long-term water management solutions, including the construction of new reservoirs and the rehabilitation of existing ones to better store and distribute water resources. Research into drought-resistant agricultural practices is being accelerated, with pilot programs already showing promise in increasing crop resilience to extreme weather.

Furthermore, China is collaborating with international experts and organizations to enhance its disaster response capabilities. This includes adopting best practices from other countries, participating in global climate initiatives, and investing in cutting-edge technology for weather forecasting and disaster management.

The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of climate issues globally, and China's approach to addressing these challenges may provide valuable lessons for other nations facing similar threats. The commitment to a multi-faceted and proactive strategy highlights the importance of unity and preparedness in safeguarding the future against the growing impacts of climate change.