HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Following extreme rainfall that caused flooding and landslide threats, more than 55,000 individuals were evacuated from high-risk zones across Hainan. Authorities intensified evacuation efforts through September 14 as rivers swelled and water encroached on vulnerable communities. The operations targeted low-lying districts, regions near waterways, and areas prone to geological hazards. Emergency responders also provided temporary shelters and vital supplies to residents unable to return home.
The adverse weather pattern initiated on September 11 when a tropical depression over the China Sea interacted with cold air masses. Heavy rains then spread across southern and central Hainan, impacting Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui. Numerous communities experienced flooded roads and disrupted access as rainfall intensified. Local authorities monitored rivers, reservoirs, and mountainous regions while rescue teams evacuated those in immediate danger.
Precipitation levels reached record highs before the weather system lost strength. Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters from September 11 to 2 p.m. on September 14. Six townships received over 700 millimeters in the same timeframe, with three surpassing 800 millimeters. The prolonged rainfall elevated the risk of flash floods and landslides across several parts of the island.
Evacuation efforts expand in affected regions
By the evening of September 13, authorities had evacuated 31,564 residents as conditions worsened, and the number increased to over 55,000 by 6 p.m. the following day. The Ministry of Emergency Management coordinated emergency responses across impacted cities and counties. Officials prioritized residents near rivers, unstable slopes, and other flood-prone or ground-shifting areas.
Floodwaters and landslides caused damage to roads and disrupted power and communications in Baoting and Wuzhishan. Rescue teams accessed affected communities where entry was still possible, while utility crews began restoring services as rainfall eased and floodwaters receded. Emergency personnel also checked isolated settlements and transportation routes, with local governments continuing damage assessments and relief efforts.
Recovery efforts commence with easing rains
Hainan lifted its Level III heavy-rain warning on September 15 after the rainfall subsided across much of the province. Officials indicated that the extreme weather event had largely concluded, enabling more communities to begin recovery. Some schools reopened where conditions allowed, and workers cleared mud, reopened roads, and repaired damaged infrastructure as residents started returning to safe zones.
During the emergency, the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national disaster relief response for Hainan. On September 14, provincial authorities also downgraded the island’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Five working groups were deployed to affected areas to support local recovery efforts. Restoration activities continued in communities facing damaged roads, utility disruptions, and the lingering impacts of several days of heavy rainfall.