China starts Level IV flood response in four provinces ahead of Typhoon Qiangpi
In short
China's Ministry of Water Resources started a Level IV flood-defence emergency response at 12:00 on 22 October for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian. It cited Typhoon Qiangpi (蔷琵) and forecast heavy rain from 23 to 25 October, with torrential rain in parts of Shanghai and eastern Zhejiang.
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China's Ministry of Water Resources started a Level IV flood-defence emergency response at 12:00 on 22 October for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian. CLS, Yicai and China News Service all reported it, and China News Service cited the China Water Resources WeChat account. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The notice said Typhoon Qiangpi (蔷琵) is expected to bring a strong rainfall episode to the eastern Jiangnan region, the eastern Jianghuai region and nearby areas from 23 to 25 October. The rain is expected to be mostly moderate to heavy, with torrential to extremely heavy rain in parts of most of Shanghai and eastern Zhejiang. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The rain is expected to raise water levels on several rivers: the Jiaoxi on the Fujian coast; the Feiyun, Ou, Jiao and Yao rivers and the Cao'e, a tributary of the Qiantang, on the Zhejiang coast; the Lixiahe area of Jiangsu; and Lake Tai with its surrounding river network. Some small and medium rivers inside the rainstorm area on the Zhejiang coast may exceed warning levels, and the risk of mountain flash floods in hilly areas is high. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The response was started under the ministry's emergency response work rules for flood and drought disaster prevention. According to CLS and China News Service, the ministry is guiding and urging local water departments and the relevant river basin agencies to monitor typhoon rain and water conditions closely, strengthen emergency duty and consultation, improve monitoring, forecasting and warning, and operate water projects in a scientific way. [ 1 , 3 ]
The same two outlets said the work also covers the safe passage of the flood season for reservoirs and water projects under construction, and the defence against flooding on small and medium rivers and mountain flash floods, to protect people's lives and property. Yicai's version ended with the start of the response and did not include these instructions. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The response directs local water authorities and river basin bodies to step up monitoring and warnings in four provinces and municipalities. The documents say some small and medium rivers on the Zhejiang coast may exceed warning levels and that the risk of mountain flash floods is high.
Key facts
- The Ministry of Water Resources started a Level IV flood-defence emergency response for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian at 12:00 on 22 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The response was launched under the ministry's emergency response work rules for flood and drought disaster prevention. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Typhoon Qiangpi (蔷琵) is expected to bring a strong rainfall episode to the eastern Jiangnan region and the eastern Jianghuai region from 23 to 25 October, mostly moderate to heavy rain. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Rain from torrential to extremely heavy is forecast for parts of most of Shanghai and eastern Zhejiang. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Some small and medium rivers inside the rainstorm area on the Zhejiang coast may exceed warning levels. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The risk of mountain flash floods in hilly areas is high. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The Ministry of Water Resources started a Level IV flood-defence emergency response for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian at 12:00 on 22 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Rivers expected to rise include the Jiaoxi on the Fujian coast, the Feiyun, Ou, Jiao and Yao rivers and the Cao'e, a tributary of the Qiantang, on the Zhejiang coast, the Lixiahe area of Jiangsu, and Lake Tai with its surrounding river network. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Some small and medium rivers in the rainstorm area on the Zhejiang coast may exceed warning levels. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether any river will actually exceed its warning level. The documents only say some Zhejiang coastal rivers may do so; no observed flooding is reported.
- Where Typhoon Qiangpi is now and how it will move. The documents give no track, strength or landfall information, only the expected rainfall.
- Whether the response level will be raised or lifted. The documents describe only the Level IV start.