HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Following intense rainfall leading to flooding and potential landslides, over 55,000 individuals have been evacuated from high-risk zones across Hainan. Local authorities extended evacuation efforts through September 14 as rising rivers and inundation threatened vulnerable communities. The operation targeted low-lying districts, regions adjacent to waterways, and zones susceptible to geological hazards. Emergency teams also provided temporary shelter and essential supplies for residents unable to return to their homes.
The extreme weather event originated on September 11 when a tropical depression over the South China Sea interacted with cold air, causing heavy rainfall to spread across southern and central Hainan. The affected areas included Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui. As rainfall intensified, several communities experienced flooded roads and restricted access, prompting authorities to monitor rivers, reservoirs, and mountain zones while rescue teams evacuated people from perilous locations.
Precipitation levels reached record highs before the weather system began to weaken. Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain from September 11 until 2 p.m. on September 14. In the same timeframe, six townships received over 700 millimeters of rain, with three surpassing 800 millimeters. This prolonged downpour also increased the threat of flash floods and landslides across parts of the island.
Expanded evacuation efforts across impacted regions
By the evening of September 13, authorities had evacuated 31,564 individuals as conditions worsened, and the number surged to more than 55,000 by 6 p.m. on September 14. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office coordinated emergency responses across affected cities and counties, prioritizing residents living near rivers, unstable slopes, and other flood-prone or landslide-susceptible areas.
Floodwaters and landslides caused damage to roads and disrupted both power and communications in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan. Rescue teams accessed affected communities where possible, while utility crews began restoring services as rainfall diminished and floodwaters receded. Emergency responders also inspected isolated settlements and transportation routes, and local governments continued damage assessment and relief operations.
Recovery efforts commence as rainfall decreases
Following the weakening of the storm, Hainan lifted its Level III heavy-rain warning on September 15. Officials indicated that the extreme rainfall had largely subsided, enabling more communities to begin recovery activities. Some schools reopened where conditions allowed. Crews cleared mud, reopened roads, and repaired infrastructure damaged during the storm as residents gradually returned to safer areas.
During the emergency, the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan. Provincial authorities also downgraded the island’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. Five working groups were dispatched to affected zones to bolster local rescue and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, communities with damaged roads, disrupted utilities, and the aftermath of several days of intense rainfall continued ongoing recovery work.