HAIKOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – More than 55,000 people were evacuated across China’s Hainan province after days of extreme rainfall triggered flooding and other hazards. Authorities moved residents from high-risk areas by 6 p.m. on September 14. The evacuations focused on low-lying communities, landslide-prone areas and locations near rivers. Officials also arranged temporary accommodation and basic supplies for displaced residents.
Heavy rain began affecting Hainan on September 11 as a South China Sea tropical depression interacted with cold air. The system brought widespread downpours to the island, with the heaviest rain falling across southern and central areas. Baoting, Wuzhishan, Wanning, Qionghai and Lingshui were among the locations facing significant rainfall. Rivers rose and water accumulated in several communities as the rain continued.
Rainfall totals reached exceptional levels in some areas before conditions began easing. From September 11 through 2 p.m. on September 14, Xiangshui township in Baoting recorded 912.9 millimeters of rain. Six townships received more than 700 millimeters during that period, while three exceeded 800 millimeters. The figures showed how concentrated the rainfall became across parts of Hainan.
Evacuations expand as rainfall intensifies
The evacuation total increased sharply as authorities widened precautionary measures across affected districts. By 7:50 p.m. on September 13, officials had moved 31,564 people away from dangerous areas. The number exceeded 55,000 by the following evening as flooding and geological risks continued. The Hainan Provincial Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Committee Office coordinated response measures during the emergency.
Emergency crews also worked to restore access and essential services in communities hit by flooding and landslides. Roads, electricity and communications were disrupted in parts of Baoting and Wuzhishan during the most intense rainfall. Rescue teams were deployed to affected locations, while utility crews carried out repairs as conditions allowed. Authorities also monitored reservoirs, rivers and areas exposed to flash flooding.
Hainan shifts from emergency response to recovery
By September 15, rainfall intensity and coverage had fallen significantly across Hainan, and the province lifted its Level III heavy-rain warning. Officials said the extreme rainfall episode had largely ended and affected areas had entered the recovery stage. Some cities and counties resumed classes as local conditions improved. Workers began clearing mud, repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring public services.
The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV national natural disaster relief response for Hainan as relief work continued. Provincial authorities also reduced Hainan’s flood and typhoon emergency response from Level II to Level III on September 14. Five working groups were sent to affected areas to support local operations. Recovery efforts continued across communities dealing with flood damage, disrupted utilities and damaged transport links.