HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Over 55,000 individuals have been relocated across China’s Hainan province following consecutive days of intense rainfall that led to flooding and related dangers. Officials completed evacuations from high-risk zones by 6 p.m. on September 14. The focus was on evacuating residents from low-lying neighborhoods, landslide-prone regions, and areas adjacent to rivers. Authorities also arranged temporary shelters and essential supplies for those displaced.
The heavy precipitation began impacting Hainan on September 11 as a tropical depression over the South China Sea interacted with cold air masses. This system caused widespread heavy rain across the island, with the most intense rainfall hitting southern and central regions. Locations such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experienced significant downpour. As the rain persisted, rivers swelled and water inundated multiple communities.
Precipitation totals soared to extraordinary levels in certain zones before weather conditions started to improve. From September 11 until 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rainfall. During this period, six townships received over 700 millimeters, with three surpassing 800 millimeters. These figures highlight the intense concentration of rainfall across sections of Hainan.
Escalating evacuations as downpour intensifies
The number of evacuations increased significantly as authorities expanded their safety measures throughout affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, officials had relocated 31,564 residents from hazardous zones. This figure rose to over 55,000 by the following night as flooding and geological hazards persisted. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office managed the coordination of emergency response activities.
Rescue teams also worked diligently to restore access and essential utilities in communities impacted by floodwaters and landslides. During the most severe rainfall, roads, electrical systems, and communication lines faced disruptions in Baoting and Wuzhishan. Emergency personnel were dispatched to affected areas, and utility crews performed repairs when conditions permitted. Authorities also kept watch over reservoirs, rivers, and flash flood-prone zones.
From emergency response to recovery efforts in Hainan
By September 15, the intensity and coverage of rainfall had decreased notably, leading to the lifting of Hainan’s Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials announced that the extreme rainfall event had largely subsided, and the affected regions had transitioned into the recovery phase. Some cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved. Workers began activities such as clearing mud, repairing infrastructure, and restoring public services.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan while relief efforts continued. Additionally, provincial authorities downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. Five specialized working groups were dispatched to assist local operations. Recovery activities persisted across communities, addressing flood damage, utility disruptions, and transportation impairments.