HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Following days of intense rainfall that led to widespread flooding and related dangers, over 55,000 individuals were evacuated across China’s Hainan province. Authorities relocated residents from areas at high risk by 6 p.m. on September 14, prioritizing low-lying neighborhoods, landslide-prone zones, and regions near rivers. Additionally, arrangements were made to provide temporary shelter and essential supplies to those displaced.
On September 11, heavy rainfall began affecting Hainan as a tropical depression from the South China Sea interacted with cold air. The system brought widespread downpours across the island, with the most significant rainfall observed in southern and central regions. Locations such as Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai, and Lingshui experienced substantial rainfalls, resulting in rising rivers and water accumulation in multiple communities as the rain persisted.
Some areas experienced extraordinary rainfall totals before the weather conditions started to ease. Between September 11 and 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, with three exceeding 800 millimeters, highlighting the intense concentration of rainfall across parts of Hainan.
Evacuations grow as rainfall escalates
The number of evacuations rose sharply as authorities expanded precautionary measures across affected areas. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, officials had relocated 31,564 people from hazardous zones. The total increased to over 55,000 by the following evening amid ongoing flooding and geological hazards. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office coordinated emergency response efforts during this period.
Rescue teams worked to restore access and vital services in communities impacted by floods and landslides. Disruptions to roads, electricity, and communications affected parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during the peak rainfall. Emergency crews were deployed to affected sites, with utility workers conducting repairs when conditions permitted. Authorities also kept watch over reservoirs, rivers, and areas exposed to flash flooding.
Hainan moves from emergency measures to recovery efforts
By September 15, the intensity and coverage of rainfall had decreased significantly across Hainan, leading to the lifting of the province’s Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials announced that the extreme rainfall episode had largely concluded, and affected regions had entered the recovery phase. Some cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved. Efforts to clear mud, repair infrastructure, and restore public services were underway.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as relief operations persisted. Provincial authorities also downgraded Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. To support local efforts, five working groups were dispatched to affected regions. Recovery activities are ongoing, addressing flood damage, utility disruptions, and compromised transportation infrastructure across impacted communities.