China activates Level-IV emergency response for flood control in 4 provincial-level regions

BEIJING, Sept. 18 -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday activated a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in four provincial-level regions, as heavy to torrential rains are forecast to sweep across these areas.

According to forecasts, heavy rainfall is expected to batter parts of Sichuan and Chongqing, both in southwest China, northwest China's Shaanxi, and Hubei in central China, from Thursday to Saturday -- with some areas likely to see torrential downpours.

These downpours may cause sharp water level rises in the Jialing River, Qujiang River and Hanjiang River, as well as the Huaihe River, while some small and medium-sized rivers in high-risk areas could exceed warning levels.

The ministry has dispatched two working teams to Sichuan and Shaanxi to guide flood-control efforts. It has also urged local departments to strengthen monitoring of rainfall and river conditions -- and place special emphasis on reducing risks in small and medium-sized rivers.

Local authorities are urged to pay particular attention to high-risk locations, and to ensure the timely evacuation of people from potential danger areas to safeguard their lives and property.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level-I being the most severe response.