HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Floodwaters and landslide risks prompted over 55,000 individuals to evacuate areas deemed high-risk across Hainan. The government expanded evacuation efforts through September 14 as water levels in rivers rose and vulnerable communities faced inundation. Operations encompassed low-lying districts, zones close to waterways, and regions susceptible to geological hazards. Emergency teams also arranged temporary shelters and supplied essentials for residents unable to return to their homes.
The intense weather activity initiated on September 11, originating from a tropical depression over the China Sea and interacting with cold air. Subsequently, heavy rainfall spread across southern and central Hainan, impacting Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui. Several communities experienced flooded roads and accessibility issues as rainfall intensified. Local authorities monitored rivers, reservoirs, and mountainous areas while rescue teams moved residents from locations facing immediate danger.
Precipitation levels reached record highs before the system’s weakening. Between September 11 and 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain. During the same period, six other townships received over 700 millimeters, with three reporting totals exceeding 800 millimeters. The sustained heavy rain heightened the risk of flash floods and landslides across various parts of the island.
Expanded evacuations as weather conditions deteriorate
By the evening of September 13, authorities had evacuated 31,564 residents, with the total rising above 55,000 by 6 p.m. on September 14. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office coordinated emergency actions across affected cities and counties, prioritizing residents living near rivers, unstable slopes, and other flood-prone or ground-movement areas.
Flooding and landslides also caused damage to roads and disrupted power and communication services in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan. Rescue teams accessed affected communities where routes remained passable, while utility crews began restoring electricity and telecommunications as rainfall subsided and floodwaters receded. Emergency personnel checked isolated settlements and transport routes, with local governments continuing damage assessments and relief efforts.
Relief efforts underway as heavy rainfall subsides
Following a weakening of the rainfall, Hainan lifted its Level III heavy-rain warning on September 15. Officials announced that the extreme weather event had largely concluded, enabling more communities to begin recovery processes. Some schools resumed classes where conditions allowed, and workers cleared mud, reopened roads, and repaired infrastructure damaged during the storm as residents started returning to safer areas.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan amid the crisis. Additionally, provincial authorities lowered the island’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. Five working groups were dispatched to affected regions to support local rescue and recovery operations, which continued in communities with damaged roads, utility disruptions, and the ongoing impact of several days of heavy rain.