The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters have identified Central China’s Hubei, Hunan, and East China’s Jiangxi as key flood control areas for the upcoming flood season along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
In response to recent heavy rainfall, the headquarters dispatched an on-site inspection team to assess local flood relief efforts. The team reported that while efforts are underway, there are still some weak links in the flood control and drought relief systems of the three provinces, and the situation remains complicated and severe.
Led by Vice Minister of Water Resources Chen Min, the inspection team visited critical sections of the Yangtze River and its major tributaries in the three provinces from April 23 to 27. They evaluated local flood preparations at reservoirs, progress on river-related projects, functioning of hydrological monitoring stations, pre-flood measures in flood-prone areas, and readiness in flood storage and detention areas, as per a statement from the Ministry of Emergency Management on Monday.
Furthermore, the headquarters dispatched covert expert teams to monitor local governments’ efforts and responsibilities in flood relief, including identifying hidden risks during the flood season and ensuring readiness in stockpiling flood prevention materials.
In light of the recent heavy downpours in central and southern China, railway authorities in Guangdong Province have suspended the operation of 62 trains on the Beijing-Guangzhou line from Monday to Wednesday, with delays expected in several high-speed train services.
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued yellow warnings for heavy rain and severe weather on Monday morning. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters, is anticipated in southern Hunan, central Jiangxi, northwestern Fujian, northeastern Guangxi, and northern Guangdong. Central and northern parts of Hunan, including Changsha, may experience strong convection weather.
Additionally, thunderstorms with fresh gales or above, hail, or even storms are forecasted for parts of central and southern Hunan, Jiangxi, southwestern Fujian, central and eastern Guizhou, northeastern Guangxi, and central-northern Guangdong.
In Guangdong, heavy rainfall is expected to persist over the next few days, with local authorities warning of potential geological disasters.