What Measures Are Being Taken Amidst Severe Flooding in Southwest China?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Severe flooding has returned to Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province, China, leading to emergency evacuations and heightened flood response measures. Local authorities are relocating thousands to safety as the situation worsens, with military support deployed for assistance. The government has also allocated significant funds for recovery efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Emergency Response Activated: The highest-level emergency flood response has been initiated.
- Mass Evacuations: Thousands of residents are being relocated for safety.
- Government Funding: 200 million yuan has been allocated for recovery efforts.
- Military Support: Troops with heavy machinery are assisting in relief operations.
- Severe Weather Impact: Continuous rainstorms have exacerbated the flooding situation.
Guiyang, June 28 (NationPress) The Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province, located in southwest China, is facing a resurgence of significant flooding, leading local officials to activate the top-tier emergency flood protocol as of 12:30 PM on Saturday.
By 6:30 PM, the Shihuichang Hydrological Station on the Duliu River reported a water level of 253.06 meters, flowing at a rate of 8,000 cubic meters per second. This exceeds the safe water level of 251.5 meters by 1.56 meters. Although this reading is slightly below the earlier prediction of a peak flood level of 253.5 meters anticipated around 5 PM, water levels are still gradually escalating.
The local flood control and drought relief command has elevated the emergency flood response from Level II to Level I—the highest tier in the national four-level weather warning framework.
In response, local authorities are in the process of relocating residents from the most affected areas to safer zones. As of 6 PM on Saturday, Rongjiang County had successfully organized the emergency evacuation and relocation of 11,992 households, totaling 41,574 individuals.
Additionally, over 1,000 soldiers equipped with heavy machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, have been deployed to provide urgent support.
Since June 24, Rongjiang County has been devastated by extensive flooding caused by relentless rainstorms. Reports confirm that six individuals lost their lives due to the flooding as of midday Thursday, according to Xinhua news agency.
In a further effort to assist, China’s top economic planner has allocated an extra 100 million yuan (approximately 13.96 million USD) from the central budget to bolster emergency response and recovery efforts in flood-stricken Guizhou Province.
This follows an initial allocation of 100 million yuan on June 25, bringing the total funding to 200 million yuan, as stated by the National Development and Reform Commission on Saturday.
The allocated funds will aid in the post-disaster recovery of infrastructure and public services in Guizhou, particularly in severely impacted counties such as Rongjiang, Congjiang, and Sandu, facilitating the restoration of normalcy in life and production as swiftly as possible.
With Guizhou recently experiencing severe flooding due to ongoing rainstorms, the renewed flooding in Rongjiang County has compelled local authorities to reactivate the highest-level emergency flood response as of 12:30 PM Saturday.
Point of View
The situation in Rongjiang County highlights the urgent need for effective disaster response and recovery strategies. The government's swift action in evacuating residents and allocating funds demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy. The ongoing challenges posed by severe weather events necessitate a proactive approach to disaster preparedness.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are being taken to address the flooding?
Local authorities have activated the highest-level emergency flood response and are evacuating residents to safer locations.
How many people have been evacuated?
As of Saturday evening, 11,992 households and 41,574 individuals have been relocated.
What assistance is being provided by the government?
The government has allocated a total of 200 million yuan to support emergency response and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
What caused the flooding in Rongjiang County?
The flooding is a result of persistent rainstorms that have plagued the region since June 24.
How can residents stay informed during such emergencies?
Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
