What Actions Are Northern China Regions Taking in Response to Heavy Rain Forecasts?
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Synopsis
As heavy rain looms, northern China regions are on alert. This article delves into the emergency measures activated to combat potential flooding, the unprecedented heat, and the ongoing climate challenges faced by the country. Discover how authorities are preparing and what this means for residents.
Key Takeaways
- Beijing has elevated its rainstorm alert to yellow.
- Heavy rain is expected across northern China.
- Emergency responses include inspections of levees and reservoirs.
- Record-breaking temperatures coincide with the flood season.
- Authorities urge public vigilance against secondary disasters.
Beijing, July 24 (NationPress) In response to forecasts predicting significant rainfall, numerous regions in northern China have initiated flood emergency measures on Thursday. The municipal government of Beijing has elevated its rainstorm alert to yellow, marking it as the third-highest level, and implemented comprehensive flood-control protocols throughout the city.
At the same time, the flood control and drought relief headquarters of the Haihe River and the river administration in the neighboring Tianjin Municipality activated a Level IV emergency response at 3 pm, bracing for moderate to heavy rains from Thursday to Saturday in the basin area, which is expected to increase water levels in major rivers and their tributaries.
Earlier, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region raised its emergency alert for heavy rain-related disasters from Level IV to Level III, with some areas projected to receive more than 100 mm of rainfall, and localized amounts possibly reaching 180 mm, coupled with thunderstorms and strong winds.
Jilin Province in northeast China also launched a Level IV flood and drought disaster prevention response at 4 pm, as central and western sections of the province face significant rain, raising the potential for flooding and waterlogging in various cities and waterways.
Additionally, at 3 pm, Hebei province activated a Level IV flood defense response for critical urban areas, with heavy rain and downpours expected overnight, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Officials in these areas have directed relevant agencies to improve monitoring and forecasting, provide timely alerts, conduct thorough inspections of levees and reservoirs, and rigorously enforce protective measures to safeguard lives and property. The public is advised to stay alert against potential secondary disasters resulting from this extreme weather.
Moreover, China is currently facing unprecedented temperatures during the flood season, with heatwaves arriving earlier and lasting longer than usual, as reported by the National Climate Centre on Wednesday.
Since the onset of the flood season, the average number of hot days nationwide has reached 8.5, the highest recorded for this timeframe. Meanwhile, the average temperature has been the second-highest on record, as stated by Jia Xiaolong, deputy head of the center, during a press briefing.
A total of 45 national weather stations have documented record-high daily temperatures, with Shaanxi's Xingping reaching 43.1 degrees Celsius.
On July 2, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, along with the China Meteorological Administration, issued a high-temperature health risk warning, marking a historical first.
China has prioritized adapting to climate change, and notably, in 2024, the country unveiled a national strategy to establish early warning systems for climate-related health risks.
Point of View
The urgency of the flood responses in northern China highlights the pressing need for robust disaster preparedness in the face of climate change. As regions grapple with extreme weather and rising temperatures, proactive measures are essential to safeguard communities and infrastructure.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What regions in China are affected by the heavy rain?
Multiple regions in northern China, including Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Jilin Province, and Hebei, are activating flood emergency responses due to forecasts of heavy rainfall.
What are the emergency response levels activated?
The emergency responses have been activated at various levels, with Beijing at yellow alert, Inner Mongolia at Level III, and other regions at Level IV.
What precautions are authorities taking?
Authorities are enhancing monitoring, issuing timely warnings, conducting inspections of levees and reservoirs, and implementing measures to protect lives and property.
How is climate change impacting China?
China is experiencing record-breaking temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events, prompting a national focus on climate adaptation strategies.
What is the status of health risk warnings?
A high-temperature health risk warning was issued for the first time in history, highlighting the growing concern over public health amid extreme weather.
