Nation prepares for severe floods, droughts

China has entered a critical period for flood control, with preparatory measures underway as the country readies for adverse weather conditions in the coming weeks, officials said on Wednesday.

Fu Jing, director of the Ministry of Water Resources' information center, said forecasts indicate the country will face significant regional and periodic droughts and floods between late July and early August. The northern region, in particular, is expected to see more severe flooding, with frequent and intense rainstorms in some areas.

Major flooding may occur along the middle reaches of the Yellow River; the Daqing, Yongding and Beisan rivers in the Haihe River Basin; and the Liaohe, Huntai and Jilin sections of the Songhua River in the Songliao Basin, Fu said.

"Two to three typhoons are expected to make landfall in the country, with the possibility of strong ones impacting the northern region," Fu said.

On Tuesday, Cai Qinbo, spokesperson for the Hainan provincial meteorological bureau, said the sixth typhoon of the year may form over the western Pacific Ocean within the next two days. It is expected to enter the South China Sea around Saturday and could bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to Hainan province from Monday to Tuesday.

Wang Baoen, vice-minister of water resources, said the ministry has appointed 2,792 flood control officials this year in coordination with other departments. The officials are responsible for major rivers, key large and medium-sized reservoirs, major flood detention areas and flood-prone cities.

"We will strengthen efforts in accountability, decision support, and command and dispatch," Wang said.

So far, 23 provinces have established flood and drought disaster prevention centers. The ministry conducts rolling daily assessments and issues targeted early warnings to each province, reaching frontline personnel directly. Wang also emphasized the need to improve forecast accuracy and enhance evacuation measures.

Yao Wenguang, director of the ministry's department of flood and drought disaster prevention, noted that the risk of mountain floods increases during the flood season and said the ministry will ensure that early warnings are promptly followed by emergency response actions. The ministry also plans to strengthen management of river-related operations during the flood season.

Zhang Wenjie, director of the ministry's department of water project operation management, said the ministry plans to reinforce 2,177 reservoirs this year, including large and medium-sized ones. Reservoirs affected by extreme flooding, major earthquakes or abnormal safety issues will undergo prompt specialized safety assessments.

As some areas may also experience periodic droughts during the flood season, Yao emphasized the need to optimize irrigation, ensure efficient water use and secure the safety of rural drinking water supplies.

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn