China activates Level-IV flood emergency response for Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan

BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday activated a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan ahead of a new round of heavy rainfall forecast through July 6.

According to meteorological forecasts, a tropical depression over the South China Sea, which is likely to intensify into a typhoon, is expected to bring exceptionally heavy downpours to parts of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi from July 3 to 6.

A working team has been dispatched to Hainan to assist and guide local flood-control efforts.

The ministry warned that water levels in multiple rivers are expected to rise, with some small and medium-sized rivers in Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan and Yunnan likely to see floods exceed warning levels.

The ministry on Thursday held consultations to assess the weather and flood situation and arrange targeted flood prevention measures.

Local water authorities were urged to strengthen the monitoring and forecasting of rainfall and water conditions, conduct timely assessments, and step up patrols and emergency response. They were also instructed to reinforce flood prevention measures for small and medium-sized rivers and mountain torrents, and ensure the safety of reservoirs during the flood season.