A residential area in Shangzhi is undergoing flood drainage on Aug 6, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Shangzhi, a city in Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China, will suspend classes, work, production, operation and business activities from Thursday to Saturday in response to Typhoon Khanun, local government officials announced on Wednesday.

According to the local meteorological bureau, Typhoon Khanun is expected to affect Shangzhi starting from Thursday. Some areas are expected to receive heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts over the coming three days.

Typhoon Doksuri has already taken a toll on flood control capabilities. In the face of Typhoon Khanun, local flood control will receive new and greater challenges due to the combination of two consecutive typhoons, according to the local government.

In response to this, the local government issued an emergency notice, stating that relevant departments should promptly release warning information to ensure that time sensitive information reaches every household and individual in the event of extreme weather, and further determine the evacuation routes and relocation sites for affected groups.

With the city to suspend all non-essential activities for three days, the local government has called for all residents to stay indoors and monitor weather warnings as well as traffic control measures.

Additionally, provinces in Northeast China are taking various measures to cope with Typhoon Khanun. Heilongjiang Province has increased the discharge of reservoirs affected by the typhoon, and has identified risk areas vulnerable to flooding in advance, according to media reports. Jilin provincial government officials stated that they are making full preparations for the worst-case scenario to ensure the safe evacuation of residents in high-risk areas.

Over recent days, provinces across Northeast China have been struck by heavy rainfall and two typhoons. According to media reports, as of 12:00 noon on Wednesday, more than 370,000 people had been affected in Heilongjiang Province alone, with 23,708 houses collapsing and 149 bridges destroyed.

Global Times