China’s National Committee for Disaster Reduction has recently issued an emergency directive, urging all relevant departments to conduct thorough investigations and mitigate hidden disaster risks in infrastructure, particularly highways, during the flood season.
According to a report by China Central Television on Saturday, the notice underscores the importance of focusing on regions experiencing sustained heavy rainfall, especially in the northern areas with significant precipitation. Key areas such as highways, railway lines, and tourist attractions are highlighted for comprehensive risk assessment and rectification measures.
Specifically for highways, attention is directed towards critical areas including high slopes, large embankments, sharp bends, steep slopes, and sections adjacent to water bodies, particularly those with sandy soil foundations. Safety hazards such as loose foundations, collapses, subsidence, and water accumulation are to be thoroughly examined.
This directive follows a tragic incident in Meizhou, Guangdong Province, where 48 individuals lost their lives due to a highway collapse early on Wednesday morning. The collapse, which trapped 23 vehicles under nearly 18 meters of debris, is currently under investigation by a disaster assessment team established by the Guangdong provincial government.
The National Committee for Disaster Reduction also emphasizes the inspection of bridges, tunnels, and tourist attractions for potential hazards such as bridge foundations, culverts, flood prevention facilities, flash flood channels, and loose mountain slopes. Proper training for personnel involved in hazard identification and the adoption of scientific research to address technical challenges are encouraged.
Furthermore, the notice advocates for improving the reward system for public reporting and whistleblowing to incentivize public participation in hazard identification, investigation, and supervision.
As the May Day holiday prompts a surge in return travel across regions, the Traffic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security has also issued a notice urging vigilance among drivers and passengers. The China Meteorological Administration forecasts widespread heavy rainfall and severe convective weather phenomena in various regions, emphasizing the importance of monitoring road conditions and weather forecasts during travel.