HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Over 55,000 residents were moved to safety across China’s Hainan province following days of intense rainfall that caused flooding and other dangers. Authorities evacuated individuals from high-risk zones by 6 p.m. on September 14. These efforts targeted low-lying neighborhoods, landslide-prone areas, and regions near rivers. Additionally, officials arranged temporary shelter and essential supplies for those displaced.
The heavy downpour began affecting Hainan on September 11 when a tropical depression in the South China Sea interacted with cold air. This weather system brought widespread heavy rain across the island, with the most severe rainfall occurring in the southern and central parts. Locations such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experienced significant rainfall. Rivers swelled and water accumulated in several communities as the rain persisted.
Some areas experienced record rainfall totals before conditions eased. From September 11 to 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain. During this period, six townships received more than 700 millimeters, and three of these surpassed 800 millimeters. These figures highlight the intensity and concentration of rainfall across parts of Hainan.
Evacuations increase as rainfall worsens
The number of evacuations surged as authorities expanded safety measures in affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, officials had relocated 31,564 individuals from dangerous areas. The total climbed to over 55,000 by the next evening as flooding and landslide risks persisted. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office oversaw the emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams worked to restore access and critical services in flooded and landslide-affected communities. Roads, electricity, and communications were disrupted in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during the peak rainfall. Rescue units were dispatched to impacted areas, while utility crews carried out repairs when conditions allowed. Authorities also kept watch on reservoirs, rivers, and regions vulnerable to flash floods.
Hainan transitions from emergency measures to recovery efforts
By September 15, rainfall had decreased significantly across Hainan, prompting the province to lift its Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials announced that the extreme rainfall event was mostly over and that recovery efforts had begun. Several cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved. Workers started clearing mud, repairing infrastructure, and restoring public services.
Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as relief work continued. Provincial authorities also downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. Five working groups were deployed to affected areas to support local response efforts. Recovery activities persisted in communities dealing with flood damage, utility outages, and disrupted transportation links.