HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Floodwaters and landslide threats across Hainan prompted the evacuation of more than 55,000 individuals from high-risk zones. The authorities expanded their evacuation operations until September 14 as rising rivers and inundation affected vulnerable communities. These efforts targeted low-lying districts, areas near water bodies, and regions prone to geological hazards. Emergency teams also organized temporary shelters and distributed essential supplies for residents unable to return home.
The intense weather event originated on September 11 when a tropical depression over the South China Sea interacted with cold air masses. This resulted in heavy rainfall spreading across southern and central Hainan, impacting Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui. Several communities experienced flooded roads and disrupted access as the rainfall intensified. Local officials monitored rivers, reservoirs, and mountainous regions while rescue teams evacuated residents from danger zones.
Precipitation levels soared well above normal before the weather system weakened. Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain from September 11 to 2 p.m. on September 14. Six townships received over 700 millimeters within this timeframe, with three exceeding 800 millimeters. The persistent rainfall increased the likelihood of flash floods and landslides across various parts of the island.
Expansion of Evacuations in Impacted Regions
By the evening of September 13, authorities had evacuated 31,564 individuals as the situation deteriorated further. The total number of evacuees rose past 55,000 by 6 p.m. on September 14. The Ministry of Emergency Management coordinated relief efforts across affected cities and counties, prioritizing residents near rivers, unstable slopes, and other flood-prone or ground-shifting areas.
Flooding and landslides damaged roads and disrupted power and communication lines in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan. Rescue teams accessed affected communities where entry remained feasible. Utility crews worked to restore services as rainfall diminished and floodwaters receded. Emergency personnel checked isolated settlements and transportation routes, while local governments carried out damage assessments and relief operations.
Relief Efforts Underway as Rainfall Subsides
On September 15, Hainan lifted its Level III heavy-rain warning after a decline in rainfall across most of the province. Officials indicated that the severe rain event had mostly subsided, enabling more communities to begin recovery efforts. Schools reopened where conditions allowed, and workers focused on clearing mud, reopening roads, and repairing damaged infrastructure as residents started returning to safe zones.
During the emergency, the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded the island’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Five dedicated working groups were dispatched to affected areas to support local operations. Recovery efforts continued as communities dealt with damaged roads, utility disruptions, and the aftermath of several days of heavy rainfall.