China: Thousands Evacuated, Schools and Tourist Areas Closed Due to Heavy Rainfall in Hainan

Authorities in China’s Hainan province suspended classes in parts of the island province and closed 27 tourist attractions due to a tropical low-pressure system over the South China Sea that triggered heavy rainfall across the region and led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. With heavy rain expected to continue in the coming days, classes were suspended in primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and off-campus training institutions in parts of Hainan, including Wanning City. On Sunday, the provincial meteorological bureau raised its storm warning level from Level III to Level II, while the provincial committee for disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief upgraded its emergency response for floods and strong winds to Level II. More than 31,000 people were evacuated from hazardous areas in Hainan province as heavy rain continued to affect parts of the island. According to the provincial disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief committee, 31,564 people had been relocated.