HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – More than 55,000 people were evacuated across China’s Hainan province after days of extreme rainfall triggered flooding and other hazards. Authorities moved residents from high-risk areas by 6 p.m. on September 14. The evacuations focused on low-lying communities, landslide-prone areas and locations near rivers. Officials also arranged temporary accommodation and basic supplies for displaced residents.
Heavy rain started impacting Hainan on September 11 as a tropical depression from the South China Sea interacted with cold air. This system brought widespread downpours across the island, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in southern and central regions. Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui were among the locations experiencing significant rain. Rivers swelled and water accumulated in multiple communities as the rain persisted.
Precipitation totals reached remarkable levels in certain areas before conditions eased. From September 11 until 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain. During that period, six townships received over 700 millimeters, and three surpassed 800 millimeters. These figures highlighted how intensely the rainfall concentrated across parts of Hainan.
Evacuations Expand as Rainfall Becomes More Severe
The number of evacuations surged as authorities expanded safety measures across affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, officials had relocated 31,564 individuals from dangerous zones. The figure increased to over 55,000 by the next evening, as flooding and landslide risks persisted. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office led coordination efforts during the crisis.
Rescue teams worked to restore accessibility and vital services in communities affected by floods and landslides. Roads, electricity, and communication networks were disrupted in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during the peak rainfall. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the affected areas, while utility crews carried out repairs when conditions allowed. Authorities also closely monitored reservoirs, rivers, and zones susceptible to flash floods.
Hainan Transitions from Emergency Operations to Recovery
By September 15, rainfall intensity and coverage had significantly decreased across Hainan, prompting officials to lift the Level III heavy-rain warning. They announced that the extreme rainfall event had largely subsided, and the affected regions had entered the recovery phase. Several cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved. Workers began clearing mud, repairing infrastructure damages, and restoring public utilities.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan while relief efforts continued. Provincial authorities also downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. Five working groups were dispatched to affected areas to support local operations. Recovery efforts persisted across communities coping with flood damage, utility disruptions, and impaired transportation links.
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