China activates Level-IV emergency flood response in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level-IV emergency flood response in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region on Wednesday, in anticipation of severe rainfall and potential flooding.

From Wednesday to Thursday, heavy to torrential rains are forecast in the region, while more heavy rain will hit the region this weekend due to Typhoon Gaemi, with potential small and medium-sized river floods.

The Haihe River Basin, in which the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region basically lies, is expected to experience the strongest precipitation since the beginning of the flood season, the ministry said.

Working teams have been dispatched to the region to assist in guiding flood-relief efforts.

The ministry has instructed relevant water resources departments to strengthen monitoring and early warning, focusing on the safety of reservoirs and other projects, urban flood drainage, and the prevention of small and medium-sized river floods and mountain torrents to effectively protect people's lives and property. ■