CHINA: Chinese weather forecasters have issued warnings of continuous heavy rain for the next two days, predicting flash floods and torrential downpours across several provinces. Over the weekend, more than three thousand people were evacuated from the northwestern Hunan province due to heavy rains that caused flooding in various areas, including Sangzhi, Shimen, Yongshun counties, and Zhangjiajie City.
Sangzhi experienced its heaviest rainfall of the year, with a peak measurement of 256 mm (10.07 inches) recorded from Saturday to Sunday night. This marked the most extensive rainfall in Sangzhi since 1998.
The country has been grappling with weeks of intense rain and flooding during an abnormally wet summer season. In late July, Typhoon In-Fa brought record-breaking rains to China, even affecting Beijing with its heaviest rainfall in 140 years.
As Typhoon Saola moves across the South China Sea, the Chinese government has called for increased flood precautions. The typhoon’s path remains uncertain, but it is expected to bring heavy rainfall to coastal regions, including Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, from Wednesday to Friday. An emergency response has been initiated in Fujian, with fishing vessels ordered to return to harbors and crew members disembarking by Wednesday noon.
The China Meteorological Administration has cautioned about potential geological disasters such as mountain torrents and floods in small and medium-sized rivers due to the heavy rainfall. The government is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to respond to potential disasters caused by the ongoing rain and the approaching typhoon.
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