HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – More than 55,000 individuals have been evacuated throughout China’s Hainan province following several days of record-breaking rainfall that caused widespread flooding and related hazards. Local authorities relocated residents from areas considered high risk by 6 p.m. on September 14, prioritizing low-lying zones, landslide-prone regions, and communities near rivers. They also arranged temporary shelters and essential supplies for those displaced.
The heavy rains began impacting Hainan on September 11, driven by a tropical depression in the South China Sea interacting with cold air. This system brought heavy downpours to the island, with the most intense rain falling in southern and central areas. Places such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experienced significant rainfall, causing river levels to rise and water to accumulate in multiple communities as the rain persisted.
Some regions received extraordinary rainfall totals before conditions started to ease. Between September 11 and 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting reported 912.9 millimeters of rain. Six townships recorded over 700 millimeters during this period, with three surpassing 800 millimeters, highlighting the intense concentration of rainfall across parts of Hainan.
Evacuation efforts expand amid worsening rainfall
As the rainfall intensified, authorities increased evacuation efforts across affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, 31,564 residents had already been relocated from dangerous zones. The figure rose above 55,000 by the next evening as flooding and landslides persisted. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office oversaw coordination of emergency responses during this period.
Emergency responders worked diligently to restore access and vital services in flooded and landslide-affected communities. Roads, power supplies, and communication lines were disrupted in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during the peak rainfall. Rescue teams were dispatched to these areas, while utility crews carried out repairs as conditions permitted. Authorities also monitored reservoirs, rivers, and areas vulnerable to flash floods.
Hainan transitions from emergency response to recovery efforts
By September 15, the intensity and coverage of rainfall had substantially decreased across Hainan, prompting the lifting of the Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials announced that the extreme rainfall event had largely concluded, and affected regions had entered the recovery phase. Some cities and counties resumed classes as conditions improved, while workers began clearing mud, repairing infrastructure, and restoring public services.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Additionally, five working groups were deployed to affected areas to bolster local operations. Recovery efforts continue as communities address flood damage, utility disruptions, and transportation issues.