HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Following days of intense rainfall that led to flooding and multiple hazards, more than 55,000 individuals were evacuated across China’s Hainan province. Authorities evacuated residents from high-risk zones by 6 p.m. on September 14, focusing on low-lying neighborhoods, landslide-prone regions, and areas close to rivers. Additionally, arrangements were made to provide temporary shelter and essential supplies for those displaced.
The onset of heavy rainfall in Hainan started on September 11, caused by a tropical depression in the South China Sea interacting with cold air. This interaction resulted in widespread downpours across the island, with southern and central areas experiencing the most intense rainfall. Locations such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui faced significant precipitation, leading rivers to swell and water to accumulate in multiple communities as the rains persisted.
Some regions recorded extraordinary rainfall totals before weather conditions eased. From September 11 to 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting measured 912.9 millimeters of rain. During this period, six townships received over 700 millimeters, with three surpassing 800 millimeters. These figures highlight the high concentration of rainfall across various parts of Hainan.
Evacuations Grow as Rainfall Intensifies
The number of evacuations increased markedly as authorities expanded safety measures throughout affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, 31,564 residents had been relocated from hazardous zones. The total climbed to more than 55,000 by the following evening, as flooding and geological dangers persisted. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office coordinated the emergency response efforts.
Rescue teams worked diligently to re-establish access and restore essential services in communities impacted by floods and landslides. During the peak rainfall, roads, power, and communications were disrupted in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan. Emergency personnel were dispatched to affected areas, with utility crews undertaking repairs when conditions permitted. Authorities also kept a close watch on reservoirs, rivers, and zones vulnerable to flash floods.
Hainan Transitions from Emergency Measures to Recovery Operations
By September 15, the intensity and coverage of rainfall had decreased significantly across Hainan, prompting the lifting of the Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials announced that the extreme rainfall event had mostly concluded, and the affected regions had entered recovery. Some cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved. Efforts began to clear mud, repair infrastructure, and restore public services.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as recovery operations continued. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. To support local efforts, five working groups were dispatched to affected areas. Recovery activities persisted across communities, addressing flood damage, utility disruptions, and damaged transportation infrastructure.”}\n