BEIJING (Web Desk)
Chinese authorities issued the highest-level rainstorm warnings in parts of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces on Thursday after torrential rainfall triggered flooding and heightened the risk of landslides, forcing the closure of dozens of tourist attractions and prompting emergency measures across affected areas.
Heavy rainfall continued to batter northwestern China, with meteorological authorities warning residents to remain vigilant as rivers, mountain valleys and urban drainage systems came under increasing pressure. Emergency teams were deployed to monitor vulnerable locations while local governments intensified disaster prevention efforts.
Authorities in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, upgraded their rainstorm warning to the highest red alert after persistent downpours inundated several urban neighborhoods. Streets in low-lying areas experienced water accumulation, disrupting daily activities and raising concerns over public safety.
Officials responded by closing all valleys in the Qin Mountains surrounding Xi’an, an area popular with tourists and hikers. Multiple forest parks and scenic destinations were also temporarily shut to prevent visitors from entering locations vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.
Emergency management departments advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in mountainous regions where unstable slopes posed a serious threat. Rescue teams remained on standby to respond quickly to any emergencies resulting from the severe weather.
In neighboring Gansu province, meteorological authorities raised the emergency response for heavy rainfall from Level IV to Level III, reflecting growing concern over worsening weather conditions. Forecasts indicated continued rainfall that could trigger flash floods, landslides and urban flooding in several districts.
The provincial government also issued a red geological disaster warning for parts of Longnan, highlighting an elevated risk of landslides and mudslides over the next 24 hours. Officials warned that saturated soil and continued rainfall could rapidly destabilize hillsides and mountain roads.
As a precaution, authorities suspended operations at 61 tourist attractions across Longnan. Visitors were instructed to leave affected areas while tourism operators coordinated with emergency services to ensure safe evacuations where necessary.
Local governments also strengthened inspections of reservoirs, bridges, highways and drainage systems to minimize damage and maintain essential services. Disaster response teams were deployed to monitor river levels and identify communities at risk of flooding.
The latest weather emergency comes only weeks after northwestern China experienced a series of deadly natural disasters linked to heavy rainfall. Earlier this month, a landslide in Gansu province claimed the lives of 21 people after tons of earth and debris buried part of a valley community.
Just days later, another tragedy struck when intense rainfall triggered flash floods at a scenic area, killing at least 10 people. Those incidents prompted renewed calls for stronger disaster preparedness and faster emergency response systems across regions vulnerable to extreme weather.
Experts say climate variability has contributed to increasingly frequent episodes of intense rainfall across parts of China, placing greater pressure on local infrastructure and emergency management agencies. Mountainous provinces remain particularly susceptible to landslides because prolonged rainfall weakens soil stability.
Authorities have urged residents living near rivers, valleys and steep hillsides to closely follow official weather updates and evacuation instructions. Schools, businesses and transportation services in high-risk locations have also been advised to prepare contingency plans if weather conditions deteriorate further.
Emergency officials emphasized that protecting lives remains the highest priority, with rescue personnel, engineering teams and medical services positioned across vulnerable districts. Continuous monitoring of rainfall patterns and geological conditions is expected to continue until the severe weather system moves away.
Meteorological agencies forecast that parts of northwestern China may continue experiencing heavy rain over the coming days, keeping the threat of floods and landslides elevated. Authorities remain on high alert as they work to reduce risks and prevent further casualties during the ongoing weather emergency.
