Typhoon Dolphin triggers alerts for flash flood risk, geological disasters

China issued a red alert for flash flood risk on Tuesday evening as the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin and an upper-level weather system continued to bring heavy rainfall to parts of northern and eastern China.

The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly issued an orange alert at 6 pm, warning of a high risk of flash floods in parts of Hebei, Shanxi, Zhejiang, and Henan from 8 pm Tuesday to 8 pm Wednesday. Parts of central Henan face a very high risk, prompting a red alert.

Local governments are urged to strengthen real-time monitoring, flood warnings, and evacuation measures.

On the same day, the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national emergency response for geological disasters in Beijing, after forecasts showed that parts of the capital could experience heavy to torrential rain over the next three days.

Relatively high risks of geological disasters were assessed in parts of southwestern and northeastern Beijing.

The ministry urged local authorities to strengthen preparations and closely monitor rainfall, flooding, and geological hazards.

Particular attention should be paid to mountain valleys and river mouths, steep slopes and cliffs, construction sites, tourist attractions, and popular sightseeing locations, the ministry said.

Emergency rescue teams and relief supplies should be deployed in advance, while specialized personnel should be sent to local communities to provide guidance and support, it added.