BEIJING (Web Desk) – China has evacuated tens of thousands of residents and intensified emergency response measures after persistent torrential rainfall triggered flood warnings, flash flood threats and geological disaster alerts across several provinces, with authorities preparing for further severe weather in the coming days.
Chinese meteorological authorities retained the country’s second-highest rainfall alert on Monday as heavy downpours continued to affect large parts of the nation. Officials warned that several northern, southwestern and southern provinces remain vulnerable to flooding, landslides and urban waterlogging as the latest weather system moves across the country.
Among the worst-hit areas are Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces, where continuous rainfall has forced authorities to relocate residents from flood-prone communities. Emergency teams remain deployed in vulnerable regions while rescue personnel monitor rivers, dams and mountain slopes around the clock.
In Shaanxi province, the provincial meteorological observatory upgraded storm warnings after intense rainfall increased the risk of flash floods and urban flooding. Authorities confirmed that nearly 88,000 residents have been evacuated from dangerous locations since July 30 as a precaution against possible disasters.
Emergency officials said evacuation efforts focused on villages located near rivers, mountainous terrain and low-lying settlements where heavy rainfall could quickly trigger landslides or overflowing streams. Residents were shifted to temporary shelters equipped with food, drinking water and medical assistance.
Sichuan province has also witnessed widespread disruption due to heavy rain. State media reported that several cities experienced geological incidents, including landslides and slope collapses, following continuous downpours. Although no fatalities have been reported, authorities expanded preventive evacuations to reduce the risk to human life.
More than 40,000 additional residents were relocated from high-risk communities in Sichuan on Monday alone. Officials said the total number of people evacuated across the province since the start of the flood season in mid-July has exceeded 920,000.
Local governments have strengthened emergency monitoring systems, particularly in mountainous districts where saturated soil significantly increases the likelihood of landslides and mudslides. Rescue teams have been placed on standby to respond immediately if conditions deteriorate.
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources also issued fresh warnings after water levels in numerous rivers rose above official warning marks. Authorities warned that continued rainfall could cause further flooding in river basins already under pressure from previous storms.
A red alert for flash flooding was issued in parts of Chongqing, where emergency authorities advised residents living near rivers and mountain streams to remain vigilant. Local administrations were instructed to closely monitor weather developments and prepare for immediate evacuations if necessary.
In Yunnan province, weather forecasters predicted several more days of heavy rainfall extending through the week. Officials warned that continuous precipitation could increase the risk of flash floods, overflowing rivers and geological disasters across multiple counties.
Meanwhile, China’s eastern coastal provinces are also preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Dolphin later this week. Meteorological agencies forecast strong winds and widespread rainfall beginning Thursday, with coastal communities advised to secure property and remain alert for official advisories.
Emergency management authorities have instructed local governments nationwide to strengthen disaster preparedness, inspect drainage systems and ensure rescue equipment is ready for rapid deployment. Additional personnel have been assigned to monitor flood control infrastructure, reservoirs and embankments.
Transportation departments are also monitoring highways, bridges and railway networks for possible disruptions caused by flooding or landslides. Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through mountainous regions during periods of intense rainfall.
Weather experts said China’s annual flood season frequently brings heavy rainfall, but climate variability has increased the intensity and unpredictability of recent weather events. Authorities have therefore expanded early warning systems and evacuation planning to minimise casualties and property damage.
Government agencies urged residents to closely follow official weather forecasts, avoid flooded roads and stay away from rivers, valleys and unstable hillsides during periods of heavy rain. They also encouraged local communities to report signs of landslides or rapidly rising water levels immediately.
Emergency operations remain active across the affected provinces as meteorologists continue forecasting additional rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns that flooding risks could persist throughout the week unless weather conditions improve.
