Tianjin preps for flood peak as rains subside

Rainfall in Tianjin has become intermittent, but the city's flood control situation is still severe as waters from heavy downpours in the upper river channels is approaching the city from north to south, the Tianjin Emergency Management Bureau said on Tuesday.

The city upgraded its emergency response to the highest level at 1 am on Tuesday to fight the flooding, and a reservoir was also activated.

So far, 35,000 Tianjin residents have been transferred to safer areas.

"Although there is no rain at the moment, the flood peak is approaching, which will be our focus in the next step. We are preparing to face the challenge," said Zhang Dongfang, a staff member at the city's emergency management bureau.

Zhang said the weak sections of the river embankment have been enhanced and six patrol teams have been set up to conduct regular inspections.

The flood peak is forecast to arrive around Aug 9 according to Jinyun, a local news outlet.

The main flood is forecast to occur in the Yongding and Daqing Rivers, according to the Tianjin Water Engineering Operation and Dispatching Center.