China issues blue alert for floods as Typhoon Dolphin nears

China's Ministry of Water Resources issued a blue flood alert as Typhoon Dolphin and a southward-moving cold air mass are forecast to bring heavy rain to parts of eastern China from Saturday to Wednesday. 

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, as well as Shanghai municipality, are expected to see heavy rain or rainstorms, with some areas in Zhejiang, northern Fujian, southern and central-eastern Jiangsu, northeastern Jiangxi, southern Anhui and southern Shanghai likely to experience severe or extreme downpours, accompanied by short bursts of intense rainfall, the ministry said in a media release.

The rainfall is expected to trigger noticeable rises in water levels in major rivers and lakes, including Taihu Lake, the Qiantang River in Zhejiang and the Chuhe River in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Eleven major rivers in the affected regions — including the Qiantang, Xiushui and Changjiang — are forecast to reach severe flood levels, the ministry warned. Meanwhile, smaller and medium-sized waterways in rainstorm-battered areas could face even more acute dangers. 

Authorities advised residents to be aware of flood warnings, reduce outdoor activities during heavy rain, avoid flooded roads, underpasses and mountain valleys, and prepare for evacuation in low-lying, mountainous and riverside areas.