China activates flood emergency response for Beijing, Tianjin

BEIJING -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Thursday activated a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in Beijing and Tianjin, the Ministry of Emergency Management said.

According to meteorological forecasts, heavy rain and rainstorms are expected to hit Beijing and Tianjin from Thursday to Friday, with some areas expected to experience short-term heavy rainfall.

The rain is expected to bring relatively high risks of mountain torrents, geological disasters, flooding in small and medium-sized rivers, and urban waterlogging, according to the ministry.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe.