Orange Isle Scenic Area temporarily closed for flood safety

According to a notice, the Orange Isle Scenic Area, which is in the middle of the Xiangjiang River, has been closed temporarily as of 2 pm on Thursday due to rising water levels.

The Orange Isle management office issued the notice, which said the reopening time would be announced later.

The area is a popular destination in Changsha, Hunan province, for its natural beauty and historical significance, especially for a statue of Chairman Mao Zedong.

According to the Hunan Hydrology and Water Resources Survey Center, the Xiangjiang River's second flood of the year began at 1 am on Thursday.

The center urges authorities and the public to take measures and avoid risks.

The water levels of the four major rivers in Hunan province have increased by 3 to 7.5 meters due to continuous rainfall since Sunday. Multiple rivers have seen floods, with local authorities activating emergency responses for flood prevention, according to Xinhua New Agency.

The meteorological center said it will expect some rivers to flood in the next two days due to the heavy rains.