HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – In response to days of intense rainfall leading to flooding and various hazards, more than 55,000 individuals have been evacuated throughout China’s Hainan province. Local authorities evacuated residents from areas deemed high risk by 6 p.m. on September 14, prioritizing low-lying communities, landslide-prone zones, and regions near rivers. Additionally, officials arranged temporary shelters and supplied essential goods for those displaced.
The onset of heavy rainfall began on September 11 when a tropical depression over the South China Sea interacted with cold air, resulting in widespread downpours across the island. The most intense rain fell in southern and central parts of Hainan, affecting locations such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui. As the rain persisted, rivers swelled and water levels rose in numerous communities.
Rainfall measurements reached extraordinary levels in certain areas before the weather eased. Between September 11 and 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain. During this period, six townships received over 700 millimeters, with three surpassing 800 millimeters, illustrating how intensely concentrated the rain was in parts of Hainan.
Flooding prompts further evacuations as rains intensify
The number of evacuees surged as authorities expanded safety measures across the affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, officials had relocated 31,564 residents from dangerous zones. The total escalated to over 55,000 by the following evening amid ongoing flooding and landslide risks. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office managed the emergency response operations.
Rescue teams worked diligently to reopen roads and restore critical services in communities impacted by flooding and landslides. During the worst of the rainfall, transportation routes, power supplies, and communication lines faced disruptions in areas like Baoting and Wuzhishan. Emergency crews were dispatched to assist affected locations, while utility workers carried out repairs when conditions permitted. Authorities maintained surveillance of reservoirs, rivers, and zones vulnerable to flash floods.
Transition from emergency measures to recovery efforts in Hainan
As of September 15, rainfall intensity and coverage significantly declined across Hainan, prompting officials to lift the Level III heavy-rain warning. They announced that the extreme weather episode had largely subsided and the affected regions had begun recovery. Several cities and counties resumed classes, reflecting improvements in local conditions. Workers started clearing mud, repairing infrastructure, and restoring public utilities.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as relief operations persisted. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Five working groups were dispatched to the affected zones to support local recovery efforts, which continued to address flood damages, utility disruptions, and damaged transportation infrastructure.