China’s Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday, July 6, 2023, launched a level-four emergency response to flooding, as heavy rains are expected to hit vast stretches of the country in the coming days.
Downpours are forecast to hit parts of southwest China, areas between the Yellow River and the Huaihe River, northeast China, Hubei Province and Shaanxi Province.
Between Thursday and Sunday, the water levels would likely surpass the warning levels in some rivers in the affected areas, according to the ministry.
The ministry has activated a level-four emergency response to flooding in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing and Guizhou.
It also ordered local departments to monitor weather changes, strengthen forecast of precipitation and water levels in their areas.
It added that the departments should prepare for flood and mountain torrent prevention, and ensure safety of people’s lives and property.
China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with level one being the strongest response.
