As Typhoon Co-May, the eighth storm of the year, barrels toward the coast of the Chinese mainland, authorities have activated a Level-IV emergency flood response in four key regions. From Shanghai’s bustling waterfront to Jiangsu’s riverbanks, floods and torrential downpours are expected between Monday and Saturday, with neighbouring Zhejiang also bracing for heavy rains.
The Chinese mainland’s Ministry of Water Resources sounded the alert on Monday, warning that waterways around Taihu Lake could experience sharp rises in water levels, and that some small and medium rivers may exceed flood-warning thresholds. Local teams are reinforcing embankments and issuing early warnings to communities at risk.
In the far west, persistent high temperatures have accelerated snowmelt in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, prompting another Level-IV response. Flooding along the Tarim River and its tributaries is projected to continue into mid-August, challenging efforts to safeguard lives and property.
For travellers, digital nomads and residents planning to be on the move this week, the advice is to stay updated via official channels, plan for possible transport delays, and avoid low-lying areas during peak rainfall. Timely preparation and clear communication can make a real difference when waters rise.
This Level-IV alert sits just one notch below the highest tier in the Chinese mainland’s four-level emergency system. While it is not the most severe classification, experts say that early action now could prevent significant disruptions and protect vulnerable communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
