Chinese authorities have launched a Level-IV emergency response to address severe flooding in Chongqing Municipality and Guizhou Province, as the southwestern regions brace for more heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, which oversees national disaster response efforts, confirmed that a team has been dispatched to Guizhou to support local authorities in flood prevention and relief efforts, particularly in the hard-hit counties of Rongjiang and Congjiang.
The alert comes amid widespread flooding caused by recent downpours across Guizhou, where the upper reaches of the Liujiang River have already overflowed. The latest figures show that approximately 80,900 residents have been evacuated from affected areas in Guizhou as of Tuesday afternoon.
China’s emergency response system for flood control includes four levels, with Level I being the most severe. A Level-IV response indicates a situation that, while serious, is still considered manageable at the regional level — but often warrants close monitoring and rapid mobilization of resources.
Officials said that the dispatched team will help coordinate logistical support, assess damage, and assist with drainage and shelter operations in the flood-affected zones.
This latest emergency follows a series of weather-related disasters to hit China this summer, which has been marked by both extreme heat and heavy rain. Just last week, tens of thousands of people were evacuated from Hunan Province in central China due to flooding. Meanwhile, Beijing recorded one of its hottest days of the year, prompting authorities to issue the city’s second-highest heat alert.
Meteorological experts warn that China’s summer rainy season, known as the “plum rain,” could bring further instability, with rainstorms likely to persist through late June and early July. Southwestern provinces such as Guizhou and Chongqing are particularly vulnerable due to their mountainous terrain, which increases the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Local governments have been urged to remain vigilant and implement real-time monitoring of rivers, reservoirs, and low-lying communities. Emergency supplies, including food, water, and temporary shelter, are being distributed to evacuees.
As climate volatility intensifies, Chinese authorities are under increasing pressure to modernize flood control infrastructure and improve disaster readiness across vulnerable regions.
Further rainfall is forecast in the coming days, raising concerns about additional evacuations and damage. The national flood control headquarters continues to monitor the situation closely.
