China has officially entered its annual flood season, with authorities warning that parts of the country are likely to experience heavy rainfall and heightened flood risks in the coming weeks.
According to Xinhua News Agency, citing the Ministry of Water Resources, southern China is expected to receive significant rainfall throughout June, raising concerns about flooding in several major river systems.
Flood Risks Rise Across Southern China
Officials forecast rainfall in northern parts of North China, South China and sections of Southwest China to be 10–20 per cent above average.
Several major rivers are expected to face elevated flood risks, including waterways linked to Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, as well as the Xi River, Han River, Qiantang River and Minjiang River.
Authorities warned that water levels in some areas could exceed official flood warning thresholds.
“The flood control situation is severe and complex,” the ministry said.
Government On High Alert
Chinese authorities have outlined a series of priorities for the flood season, including preventing casualties, avoiding dam failures and major dike breaches, and protecting critical infrastructure.
Officials are also seeking to ensure stable urban and rural water supplies while safeguarding irrigation systems needed for agricultural production.
El Niño Adds To Weather Concerns
Weather experts are also monitoring the development of El Niño, which Chinese authorities expect to strengthen through autumn and winter before weakening next spring.
According to China’s National Climate Center, El Niño is currently developing rapidly, with rising Pacific Ocean temperatures already influencing atmospheric conditions.
The phenomenon is expected to increase rainfall south of the Yangtze River while pushing temperatures above normal across much of China.
Flooding And Drought Risks
El Niño often disrupts the East Asian monsoon system, increasing the likelihood of flooding in southern China while creating drought conditions in other parts of the country.
As a result, Chinese authorities are preparing for both excessive rainfall and uneven water distribution during the months ahead.
(with inputs from Reuters)
