China: Record rains hit Hainan... Thousands evacuated, schools and tourist sites closed

Chinese authorities are continuing to manage the aftermath of a heavy rainfall wave that struck Hainan province in southern China, which led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, the suspension of classes, the closure of tourist sites, and traffic restrictions, amid warnings of landslide and flash flood risks.

Xinhua News Agency reported that authorities evacuated 31,564 people from hazardous areas, with no reports of major disasters, as monitoring and preparedness operations continue to address the impacts of the rain.

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The weather conditions led to the suspension of classes in several cities and counties within the province. Authorities closed tourist sites and imposed traffic restrictions on damaged roads as preventive measures to protect residents and visitors.

According to Xinhua, authorities closed 27 tourist sites across Hainan during the peak of the rainfall, while eight cities and counties implemented measures including the closure of tourist areas and the suspension of certain weather-affected activities.

In Wanning, authorities raised the emergency response level to Level One, the highest in China’s four-tier emergency response system, after Hainan had previously raised its flood response to Level Two.

Measures in the most affected areas included strengthening the deployment of rescue teams, monitoring water levels and operating reservoirs, addressing water accumulation in urban areas, and preparing for landslides and the inundation of roads and bridges.

The impact on education persisted, as some areas kept schools closed on Tuesday due to continued risks from waterlogged soil and difficult movement in certain locations.

According to data from the China Meteorological Administration, cumulative rainfall exceeded 600 millimeters in 14 towns across four cities and counties since September 11. The town of Xiangshui in Baoting County recorded the highest amount at 921 millimeters.

The Wuzhishan National Meteorological Station also recorded 615.3 millimeters of rain within 24 hours, surpassing the highest daily total ever recorded at the station.

The China Weather website, operated by the China Meteorological Administration, reported that the severe rainfall wave affecting Hainan had ended, with chances of heavy local rain remaining in the western part of the island before gradually subsiding.

Authorities warned of ongoing secondary disaster risks, primarily landslides and mudslides, due to waterlogged soil following days of intense precipitation, urging residents to adhere to safety guidelines and follow official warnings.