The forecast of precipitation. June 18, 2023. Photo: from website of China Meteorological Administration.

 
China's anti-flood authority has expanded its emergency response to eight provinces on Sunday as heavy rain is predicted to batter the southern and eastern part of the country in the following week, sending working groups to help protect local people from mountain flood and urban waterlogging.

Besides provinces including East China's Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi, Central China's Hubei and Hunan, as well as Southwest China's Guizhou, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (the Headquarters) issued emergency on Sunday response for flood control to East China's Jiangsu and South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 

The Headquarters also issued notices to regions in southern China, which the meteorological authority said will experience continuous heavy rainstorms in the coming week from Monday to Saturday, to strengthen precise monitoring on flood forecast and to make sure in-time warning information to reach every persons in charge at the frontline.

The concentrated period of rainfall in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Jiangnan region overlapped China's tradition Dragon Boat Festival from Thursday to Saturday, when large numbers of people will come out traveling and visiting families and friends. 

The Headquarters required to closely monitor key areas including mountain flood-prone zones, small and medium-sized rivers and reservoirs, critical sections of embankments, low-lying urban areas, construction sites, and tourist attractions, so as to prepare emergency rescue forces, evacuate people in high-risk areas in advance, and enhance the protection of rescue personnel on the frontline.