Hainan evacuates over 42,000 people amid severe flooding
The elements always remind us how fragile our daily routine can be, and how important coordinated action by emergency services is when disaster strikes. A swift response and clear coordination can save thousands of lives.
Authorities in China's southern Hainan Province responded promptly, evacuating more than 42,000 people from at-risk areas after heavy rains hit the island and caused flooding. The downpours, triggered by a tropical depression combined with cold air, struck the island starting Friday, with rainfall exceeding 300 millimetres in 24 townships across six cities and counties.
On Sunday, the province raised its flood emergency response to Level II. By Monday, the mountainous city of Wuzhishan, where about 500 millimetres of rain fell over three days, and neighbouring Baoting, where more than 300 millimetres fell in eight townships, had moved to Level I, the highest in China's four-tier system.
In Wuzhishan, a city in the mountainous interior of the island, side streets branching off the main road were still flooded on Monday morning. As the rain eased, floodwaters gradually receded, leaving roads covered in mud and silt, while several cars that had stalled in deep water remained stranded. Because the city is located in mountainous terrain, landslides and cave-ins are frequent. Traffic police have stepped up patrolling and control on roads, township workers are clearing blocked drainage channels, and warning signs have been installed on manholes for pedestrians. Seven roads remain severely flooded, and rescue operations continue.
In the neighbouring Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, fallen trees blocked a section of a national highway on Monday morning, and numerous landslides cut off a tourist road through the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. Militia rescue teams and road services cleared the debris and cordoned off the affected sections, and both roads have since reopened. A red alert, the highest level, has been issued for geological disasters caused by rain in four towns, and monitoring of hazardous areas is strongly recommended.
Across the island, six cities and counties ordered schools to close, eight closed some tourist attractions, and traffic restrictions were imposed on affected roads. In Wuzhishan, authorities went further, suspending classes, work, business, production and public transport throughout the city, and closing all tourist attractions; the measures will be lifted depending on weather conditions. Coastal scenic areas in the resort city of Sanya and surrounding areas were also closed, and passenger ferry services were suspended. Fire and rescue teams were deployed to key areas, drainage equipment was sent to the worst-hit eastern counties, and power and telecommunications companies prepared emergency repair materials.
As of Monday morning, 238 small and medium-sized reservoirs in the province were releasing floodwaters normally, 16 low-lying bridges were submerged, and no reports of geological disasters had been received. Authorities said they are closely monitoring rainfall and water conditions while controlling reservoir operations.
As reported by CCTV+, Hainan's emergency services continue to operate in enhanced mode to minimise damage and ensure the safety of residents. The situation remains under control, but authorities urge citizens to stay vigilant.
