HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Over 55,000 individuals have been moved to safety across China’s Hainan province following days of relentless heavy rain that caused widespread flooding and various hazards. Authorities initiated evacuations in vulnerable zones by 6 p.m. on September 14, focusing on low-lying neighborhoods, landslide-prone regions, and areas near rivers. Temporary shelters and essential supplies were arranged for those displaced.
The downpour began on September 11 when a tropical depression in the South China Sea interacted with cold air masses. This weather system led to extensive rain across the island, with the heaviest amounts falling in southern and central parts. Locations such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experienced significant rainfall, causing rivers to swell and water to accumulate in multiple communities as the rain persisted.
Precipitation totals reached extraordinary levels in certain areas before conditions started to improve. Between September 11 and 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain. Six townships received more than 700 millimeters during this period, with three surpassing 800 millimeters. These figures highlight the intense concentration of rainfall across parts of Hainan.
Escalation of Evacuations as Rainfall Continues to Intensify
The number of evacuations rose sharply as authorities expanded safety measures across affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, a total of 31,564 residents had been relocated from dangerous zones. This figure exceeded 55,000 by the next day amid ongoing flooding and landslide risks. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office led coordination efforts during the crisis.
Emergency teams worked tirelessly to reopen roads and restore vital services in flood- and landslide-affected communities. Disruptions to transportation, electricity, and communications occurred in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during the peak of the storm. Rescue units were dispatched to affected areas, with repair crews working to fix damaged infrastructure as weather conditions permitted. Authorities also kept close watch on reservoirs, rivers, and flash flood-prone zones.
Transition from Emergency Measures to Recovery Operations
By September 15, rainfall intensity and coverage had significantly decreased across Hainan, prompting the lifting of the Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials indicated that the extreme weather event was largely over and that the province was moving into the recovery phase. Schools in some cities and counties resumed classes as local situations improved. Workers commenced efforts to clear mud, repair infrastructure, and restore public utilities.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as relief operations carried on. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Additionally, five workgroups were dispatched to affected zones to assist local response efforts. Recovery activities persisted across communities, addressing flood damage, utility disruptions, and compromised transportation networks.”}**w9osc0qj97i**