Following extensive rainfall forecast in some provinces in the southwest region, China has issued a new blue alert. The National Meteorological Center of China has predicted heavy rain in at least seven of the country’s provinces.
At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the blue alert was renewed, and it will remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Thursday.
China has a four-tiered color-coded weather warning system, with red denoting the most severe warning and orange, yellow, and blue denoting the least severe warning.
Rain is expected in parts of Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Hubei, Shaanxi, Henan, and Yunnan, according to the weather service. Heavy rain is expected in Tibet and Inner Mongolia as well.
The weather service predicts that some of these areas will see over 60 millimetres of rain per hour, along with thunderstorms and gales. In fact, parts of Chongqing Municipality are expected to receive up to 150 mm of rain, according to the forecast.
Local governments in these provinces have been advised to prepare for rainstorms, schools and kindergartens have been advised to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of children, and drivers have been reminded to be aware of road waterlogging and traffic jams.
Last week, torrential rains in central China caused landslides, knocked out power, and damaged homes. Authorities in Zhengzhou, a major city in Henan province, were forced to close tunnels and some bridges due to the heavy rain.
According to state television, about 25 highways in Henan, Shaanxi, and Sichuan in the southwest have been closed.
In July, flooding in Henan killed more than 300 people.
