Torrential Rains, Scorching Heat, and a Nation Responds to Severe Weather Crisis

Severe weather is anticipated across various regions of China. The southwestern and northern parts of the country are expected to experience heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. In contrast, southern China is bracing for intense heat.

The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for rainstorms on Friday, forecasting heavy to torrential rains in several provinces and regions, including Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Shanxi, Beijing, and Inner Mongolia. China employs a four-tier weather warning system, with red being the most severe, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. Some areas within the Sichuan Basin are predicted to receive significant rainfall, potentially reaching 100 to 200 millimeters.

Additionally, a blue alert for severe convective weather was issued, warning of potential thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in parts of North, Northeast, and Southwest China. Simultaneously, a yellow heat alert remains in effect, indicating widespread high-temperature weather in the Huanghuai, Jianghuai, Jianghan, and Jiangnan regions over the next three days, with local temperatures possibly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

In Gansu province, the local flood control and drought relief headquarters issued a red alert for mountain torrents. The central meteorological observatory in Lanzhou, the provincial capital, upgraded its rainstorm alert from yellow to orange. Heavy downpours have already impacted the eastern part of Longnan city, with significant rainfall recorded in the Yuhe township. Tragically, a landslide in Longnan's Huixian county, triggered by flooding, resulted in the deaths of two construction workers. The Maijishan scenic area, home to the UNESCO-listed Maijishan Grottoes, has been temporarily closed due to the heavy rain.

Sichuan province has also been affected by heavy rainfall, with extreme precipitation reported in several cities. The People's Park in Chengdu experienced significant rainfall within a short period. The heavy rainfall has caused landslides, road damage, and flooding of farmlands in Guangyuan, northern Sichuan.

To address the impact of the heavy rainfall, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in several provinces. Authorities emphasized the importance of enhancing prevention and response measures in vulnerable areas, including mountain torrents, geological disasters, and water management in reservoirs and urban/rural areas. Disaster relief authorities have allocated relief supplies to support flood relief efforts and resident relocation in affected provinces.