Blue flood alert renewed as Typhoon Dolphin brings heavy rain

The Ministry of Water Resources renewed a blue flood alert on Monday, warning that Typhoon Dolphin, combined with a southward-moving cold air mass, is expected to bring persistent heavy rainfall to vast areas of the country this week.

China has a four-tier flood and weather warning system, with red representing the most severe level, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

The heavy rainfall is forecast to affect multiple regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Henan, Shandong, Hebei and Liaoning provinces, as well as Shanghai and Beijing, according to the ministry's information center.

The rainfall is expected to cause noticeable rises in water levels in major rivers and lakes, including Taihu Lake, the Qiantang River in Zhejiang, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and its tributaries, such as the Hanjiang and Chuhe rivers.

Other affected waterways include the upper and middle reaches of the Huaihe River and its tributaries, the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River and its tributaries, as well as multiple waterways in the Haihe and Liaohe river basins.

Authorities advised residents in the affected provinces and municipalities to closely monitor flood warnings, reduce outdoor activities during heavy rain and avoid dangerous areas, including flooded roads, underpasses and deep mountain valleys.

Motorists were urged to avoid submerged bridges and low-lying waterlogged sections and not to attempt to drive through standing water.

People living in mountainous areas or along rivers and lakes were advised to stay away from low-lying areas and make early preparations for evacuation if necessary.