China's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorological Bureau issued the year's first national red alert for mountain torrents on Sunday afternoon. The alert warns of a high risk of flash flooding in eight provinces due to heavy rain expected from Sunday night to Monday night.
The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly identified areas of Lishui City in southwestern Zhejiang and Nanping City in northern Fujian as particularly vulnerable. However, the alert also covers parts of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and the provinces of Guizhou, Jiangxi, Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan.
Red alert means the most severe level in China's color-coded four-level warning system for mountain torrents. Authorities urged local departments to take immediate precautionary measures, including real-time monitoring of affected areas, issuing timely early warnings and implementing evacuation procedures if necessary.
This heightened state of alert emphasizes the potential dangers associated with the expected heavy rainfall. Residents in designated regions are advised to closely monitor weather updates and follow official guidance to ensure their safety.
