Flood prevention emergency response initiated in nine regions

China has initiated flood prevention emergency response in nine provincial-level regions, in light of the ongoing heavy rainfall and its anticipated continuation until the end of the month, meteorological experts said at an online news conference on Friday.

China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters launched a Level-4 emergency response on Thursday, the lowest in a four-tier system, for the floods in Anhui and Hubei provinces and Chongqing.

In addition, it maintained a Level-3 emergency response to flooding in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and a Level-4 emergency response for Zhejiang, Guizhou, Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangxi provinces.

The development of a high-altitude trough, combined with the convergence of the warm and humid air currents from the southwest and the cold air from the north, has led to the extensive and intense rainfall in many southern regions, said Yang Shu'nan, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Administration to the news conference.

Many regions in the southern areas have already entered their plum rain seasons, a period characterized by continuous overcast and rainy weather in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. While the onset of the plum rain season is similar to typical years, many areas have reported higher-than-normal precipitation, such as Guizhou, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces.

"During the next 10 days, the main rain belt is expected to stretch from Guizhou to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, with notably heavy rainfall processes from June 21 to 24, and June 27 to 30," Yang said.

"The precipitation levels in areas of northern Hunan, southern Hubei, northern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and central and southern Jiangsu will be increased by 30 to 70 percent compared to those of their typical years, with certain areas even double the amount."

Strong convective weather including hail, thunder, lightning and strong winds is expected to hit areas such as Hubei, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces during the period, with maximum hourly rainfall potentially reaching 100 millimeters, Yang added.

Given the prolonged duration, intense strength and substantial overlap of affected regions in the two heavy rainfall events, chief forecasters in areas such as Anhui, Guizhou, Zhejiang, Hubei and Jiangsu cautioned about the heightened risk of disasters such as floods, waterlogging and mudslides during the period.

Rainfall in eastern Hubei, in particular, is expected to be highly conducive to disasters, and the region will experience continuous rainfall from Friday to June 29, according to Wang Yanjie, chief forecaster at the Wuhan meteorological center.

Certain sections of highways in areas of Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Chongqing and Guizhou may experience slippery roads and water accumulation due to heavy rain, which could pose risks to drivers. In addition, there is a potential for train delays in these areas. It is recommended for drivers and passengers to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and to avoid traveling during periods of heavy rainfall, said Chen Zhongyu, a senior engineer at the public meteorological service center at the China Meteorological Administration.

Chen also cautioned for timely inspections of power transmission facilities so as to ensure a stable energy supply.

In addition, Yang said that tropical disturbances are expected to develop over the South China Sea on Sunday, bringing about strong winds and heavy rainfall in Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi from Monday to Tuesday.

A mid-term weather forecast released by the National Meteorological Administration on Friday morning showed that tropical disturbances will become active over the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea in the next 10 days. A typhoon may form and affect the coastal areas in South China around Sunday.