China issues highest warning for mountain torrents as heavy rain threatens eight provinces

China's water resources ministry and weather bureau issued the first national red alert for mountain torrents of the year on Sunday evening. The alert warns of a high risk of flash flooding in eight provinces due to heavy rainfall expected from Sunday night to Monday night.

The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly pinpointed areas of southwestern Zhejiang's Lishui city and northern Fujian's Nanping city as particularly vulnerable. However, the alert also encompasses parts of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces.

The red alert signifies the most severe level on China's four-tier, color-coded warning system for mountain torrents. Authorities urged local departments to take immediate precautionary measures, including real-time monitoring of affected areas, issuing timely early warnings, and implementing evacuation procedures if necessary.

This heightened state of alert emphasizes the potential dangers associated with the anticipated heavy rainfall. Residents in the designated regions are advised to closely monitor weather updates and follow official instructions to ensure their safety.