China issues top alert for geological hazard risks amid heavy rainfall

China's natural resources and meteorological authorities issued their highest-level alert for meteorological risks of geological hazards on Monday evening as heavy rainfall swept across wide areas of the country.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Meteorological Administration warned that from 8 pm Monday to 8 pm Tuesday, there is a very high risk of geological disasters, such as landslides or mudslides, in parts of northeastern Beijing and northeastern Hebei province.

Residents in affected areas — especially those living near slopes, cliffs, gullies or bodies of water — have been urged to follow evacuation instructions from local disaster prevention authorities and move to nearby temporary shelters.

An orange alert, the second-highest level, was also issued for parts of northeastern Beijing, northern Tianjin and northeastern Hebei, signaling a high risk of geological disasters.

In addition, a yellow alert was in effect for northern Beijing, northern Tianjin, eastern Zhejiang province, and parts of northeastern and western Hebei, northern Shanxi, central Jilin, northern Shaanxi and the eastern region of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Authorities called on local governments and departments at all levels to implement geological disaster prevention measures in accordance with emergency plans. The public is advised to stay informed of early warnings and avoid entering high-risk areas.