Recent severe rainfall in Hainan, exacerbated by lingering effects from Typhoon Tammei and ongoing cold fronts, has led to extensive disruptions across the island, with heavy rain alerts issued on November 3rd.
Extreme Weather and Class Suspensions
On November 3rd, a new wave of torrential rain prompted several cities and counties to raise red alerts, with Qionghai, Wanning, and Qiongzhong suspending school activities. The adverse weather is attributed to a combination of cold air and southeastern warm, moist air, creating intense rain conditions that continued through November 4th.
The Hainan Meteorological Service had forecast rainfall of 120 to 220 millimeters across Haikou, Chengmai, Ding’an, and other central and eastern regions, with some areas experiencing up to 350 millimeters. Meanwhile, rain levels in Danzhou, Baisha, and surrounding areas reached between 60 and 120 millimeters, with Sanya and nearby cities reveiving up to 60 millimeters.
Flooding Risks and Infrastructure Damage
This wave of rainfall follows previous autumn storms, intensifying soil saturation and increasing risks of urban flooding, landslides, and river flooding in the central and eastern parts of Hainan.
In response, schools and kindergartens across multiple locations temporarily suspended classes to prioritize safety.
Qionghai, one of the hardest-hit cities, reported that parts of the Wanquan River Road were submerged by over half a meter of water, rendering the road impassable. The Qionghai Flood Control Command confirmed on October 29th that water levels at the Wanquan River monitoring station had surpassed warning thresholds, leading upstream reservoirs to release water, which caused flooding in low-lying regions.
Emergency Response and Infrastructure Recovery
Hainan officials have enacted widespread recovery efforts to address the flood’s impacts. As of November 3rd, officials held a province-wide meeting on disaster recovery and flood prevention, emphasizing the need to restore essential infrastructure and ensure resident safety. Key areas of focus include:
Infrastructure Repairs: Rapid repairs are underway for affected roads, power lines, and water systems.
Flood Recovery and Relief Efforts: Emergency teams are providing affected residents with food, water, shelter, and medical care.
Risk Assessments and Health Precautions: Inspectors are conducting thorough checks on flooded homes and tourist areas, and preventive disinfection measures are being implemented in temporary shelters.
In the agricultural sector, crop damage has been severe, with many farmers reporting substantial losses, including recently planted litchi seedlings that were submerged.
The economic toll, though yet to be fully assessed, follows earlier damages from Typhoon Yagi in September, which led to significant financial losses in Hainan.
Safety Precautions and Traffic Alerts
The heavy rains have also affected transportation, with a significant landslide on the Haiqiong Expressway near Qionghai, blocking traffic in the direction of Wenchang. Local police have established detours and are closely monitoring road conditions, advising residents to follow traffic guidance and avoid waterlogged areas.
In their efforts to enhance public safety, authorities have underscored the importance of early warnings, preemptive evacuations, and continuous monitoring. Measures include targeted weather alerts, evacuations in high-risk areas, and increased patrols on flooded routes.
Looking Ahead: Hainan’s Disaster Management Goals
Hainan’s government has prioritized a comprehensive disaster management strategy, aiming to prevent fatalities, reduce injuries, and minimize property losses. With heavy rain easing by November 5th, authorities are continuing recovery efforts and preparing for potential future challenges posed by this year’s extreme seasonal weather patterns.
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