HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – After days of heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and hazards, over 55,000 individuals have been evacuated across China’s Hainan province. Authorities initiated evacuation procedures from high-risk zones by 6 p.m. on September 14, prioritizing low-lying neighborhoods, landslide-prone locations, and areas near rivers. They also coordinated temporary shelters and supplied essential items for those displaced.
The island experienced initial impacts of heavy rainfall starting September 11, when a tropical depression in the South China Sea interacted with cold air, leading to extensive downpours across Hainan. Southern and central regions faced the most intense rainfall, with areas such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experiencing significant precipitation. As the rain persisted, water levels in rivers rose and accumulated in numerous communities.
Some locations saw rainfall totals reaching extraordinary levels before conditions 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. These figures highlight the intense concentration of rainfall across parts of Hainan.
Evacuation efforts intensify as rainfall worsens
As the situation deteriorated, authorities expanded precautionary evacuations across affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, over 31,564 residents had been relocated from dangerous zones. The figure increased to more than 55,000 by the next evening, with flooding and geological hazards still posing risks. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office led the coordination of emergency response actions.
Rescue teams worked to reopen roads and restore vital services in communities impacted by floods and landslides. Disruptions to roads, electricity, and communication networks affected parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during peak rainfall. Emergency crews were dispatched to assist affected areas, while utility workers carried out repairs as conditions permitted. Authorities closely monitored reservoirs, rivers, and zones vulnerable to flash floods.
Hainan transitions from emergency measures to recovery phase
By September 15, the intensity and reach of rainfall had significantly decreased across Hainan, prompting the lifting of the Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials announced that the extreme rainfall event was largely over, and the affected regions had entered the recovery stage. Some cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved, with crews clearing mud, repairing infrastructure, and restoring public utilities underway.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as relief efforts continued. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded the flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Five working groups were dispatched to support local operations in affected areas. Recovery activities persisted across communities dealing with flood damages, utility disruptions, and compromised transportation routes.