HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Following intense rainfall that led to flooding and the threat of landslides, more than 55,000 residents were forced to evacuate from high-risk zones across Hainan. Authorities broadened evacuation efforts through September 14 as water levels rose in rivers and inundated vulnerable communities. The evacuation covered low-lying districts, areas adjacent to waterways, and locations prone to geological hazards. Emergency teams also arranged temporary shelters and essential supplies for those unable to return to their homes.
The onset of severe weather occurred on September 11, when a tropical depression over the South China Sea interacted with cold air, resulting in heavy rainfall that spread across southern and central Hainan. Cities such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experienced impacts, including flooded roads and disrupted access, as rainfall intensified. Local authorities kept close watch on rivers, reservoirs, and mountain regions while emergency personnel moved residents from areas at immediate risk.
Precipitation levels reached record highs before the weather system weakened. Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters from September 11 until 2 p.m. on September 14. During the same timeframe, six townships received over 700 millimeters of rain, with three registering totals exceeding 800 millimeters. The sustained heavy rain heightened the danger of flash floods and landslides across parts of the island.
Growing Evacuation Operations in Affected Regions
By the evening of September 13, authorities had evacuated 31,564 individuals as the situation worsened, with the total climbing beyond 55,000 by 6 p.m. on September 14. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office coordinated emergency response efforts across various cities and counties. Officials prioritized residents living near rivers, unstable slopes, and other areas vulnerable to flooding or ground movement.
Floodwaters and landslides caused damage to roads and interrupted electricity and communications in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan. Rescue teams entered affected communities where access was still available, while utility crews began restoring services as rainfall diminished and floodwaters receded. Emergency workers also checked isolated settlements and transportation routes, with local governments continuing damage assessments and relief initiatives.
Recovery Efforts Underway as Rainfall Subsides
Hainan lifted its Level III heavy-rain warning on September 15 following a decrease in rainfall across much of the province. Officials indicated that the extreme weather event had largely subsided, enabling more communities to begin recovery efforts. Some schools resumed classes where conditions allowed, and workers started clearing mud, reopening roads, and repairing infrastructure damaged during the storms. Residents began returning to areas deemed safe.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan during the emergency. On September 14, provincial authorities downgraded the island’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III. Five working groups were dispatched to affected areas to support local recovery efforts. Work continued in communities with damaged roads, utility outages, and the ongoing effects of several days of heavy rainfall.