China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has activated a Level-IV emergency response to address severe flooding in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. The decision, announced on Monday, comes as heavy downpours and rainstorms continue to batter the region.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, heavy rainfall is expected to hit the Sichuan Basin from Monday to Tuesday. In some parts of the basin, rainstorms are likely to persist through Saturday, raising concerns about potential flooding and geological disasters.
On Monday, weather authorities issued an orange alert—the second-most severe warning—for rainstorms in the region. This alert signifies a high likelihood of significant rainfall, which may lead to flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging.
The Level-IV emergency response is the lowest in China’s four-tier emergency response system but serves as a crucial measure for mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts among various agencies. Local governments and departments have been urged to closely monitor weather changes, strengthen flood control measures, and ensure public safety.
Chongqing, a major metropolis situated on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its mountainous terrain and extensive river systems. The activation of the emergency response underscores the importance the Chinese authorities place on disaster preparedness and mitigation.
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China activates Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Chongqing
cgtn.com
