China activates Level IV flood response in Heilongjiang

China's Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level IV flood defense emergency response in Heilongjiang province on Saturday, as heavy rainfall and potential flooding are expected across the northeastern region.

According to weather forecasts, eastern parts of Northeast China will see heavy to torrential rain on Saturday, followed by light to moderate rain in southeastern areas on Sunday. Moderate to heavy rain will persist in central and northern areas from Monday to Friday.

The Songhua River and the Ganhe River, a tributary of the Nenjiang River, may see a numbered flood — an official designation issued when a key hydrological station reaches preset warning thresholds. The Jiamusi section of the Songhua River's main stream and its tributary, the Tangwang River, may exceed warning levels. At the same time, some small and medium-sized rivers in rainstorm-hit areas could face significant flooding.

On Saturday, the emergency response was initiated at 1 pm, the lowest level in China's four-tier flood control system. Local water resources departments have been directed to monitor rainfall and hydrological conditions closely, strengthen early warning, enhance consultation and analysis, and optimize the operation of water projects.

The ministry said priority should be given to reservoir safety, flood prevention for small and medium-sized rivers, and mountain torrent disaster defense. Local governments are instructed to promptly evacuate residents from high-risk areas and make every effort to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Three working groups from the ministry have been deployed to Heilongjiang to support frontline flood prevention efforts.

Meanwhile, the Office of the National Committee for Disaster Reduction and Relief and the Ministry of Emergency Management have dispatched working groups to inspect disaster conditions in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces and assist with relief efforts.

In coordination with the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, 11,000 central relief items, including blankets, quilts and family emergency kits, have been delivered to the two provinces to support the resettlement and assistance of affected residents.