Qinghai, China — Amid persistent heavy rainfall, China’s Ministry of Water Resources has declared a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in the northwestern Qinghai Province, as rivers rise and the risk of severe flooding intensifies.
According to official forecasts, torrential downpours are expected to continue across eastern and southern Qinghai from Thursday through Saturday. This has triggered warnings of dangerous water surges in the upper mainstream and tributaries of the Yellow River, with authorities anticipating floodwaters to exceed warning levels in several small and medium-sized rivers.
The ministry has directed local governments to heighten flood monitoring systems, enhance early-warning mechanisms, and ensure emergency teams are ready to safeguard lives and property.
Wider Flood Threat Across China
The emergency response in Qinghai is part of a broader national alert as ten more provincial-level regions — including Hebei, Liaoning, and Hainan — have also been warned to brace for severe rainstorms. The advisories are based on 24-hour rainfall projections, and all relevant departments have been asked to implement preventive flood measures.
In addition to Qinghai, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces are also operating under Level-IV flood emergency protocols, with the potential for escalation if conditions worsen.
China’s flood response system is categorized into four levels, with Level I representing the most severe emergency. The Level-IV status denotes heightened preparedness and swift action as conditions evolve.
Rongjiang County Devastated by Repeated Floods
The situation remains particularly grim in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, located in southwest China. In what has been described as a “double disaster,” the county experienced two back-to-back floods within five days, starting June 24. Entire neighborhoods, including the Cun Chao stadium—famous as the home of the “Village Super League”—were inundated as water levels surged past containment barriers.
Authorities confirmed that six people have died in Rongjiang County due to the flooding, while hundreds have been evacuated. Damage to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture has been widespread, prompting the government to announce emergency funding aimed at speeding up post-disaster recovery and restoring economic activity.
The Road Ahead
As intense monsoon activity continues, the central and provincial governments are coordinating closely to manage evacuations, secure critical infrastructure, and ensure medical and emergency services reach the hardest-hit areas.
The Ministry of Water Resources emphasized that climate resilience and public cooperation would be crucial in the coming days as China navigates what could be one of the most damaging flood seasons in recent years.
More updates are expected as meteorological and disaster response teams continue to assess the developing situation.
