China Issues Yellow Warning Amid Forecasts of Up to 500mm Rain in Eastern Provinces

On July 12, China’s Ministry of Water Resources announced a yellow flood alert as Typhoon Bavi threatens to bring severe rainstorms from Sunday to Tuesday. The nation’s colour‑coded alert system ranks red highest, followed by orange, yellow and blue; a yellow alert signals that extensive preparation is essential.

Meteorologists expect 40‑90 mm of precipitation across much of eastern, central and southern China. The Yangtze‑Huaihe watershed, areas along the Yellow River and the northeast could see totals exceeding 260 mm. The Haihe river basin already experienced its first flood of the year, and additional rainfall may raise water levels in Taihu Lake, the Liaohe River and the Songhua River, prompting fresh flooding concerns.

Officials warned of sudden flash floods, rapid runoff in mountainous terrain, and urban flooding. Residents are asked to remain vigilant and refrain from traveling through low‑lying zones, underpasses and steep valleys during heavy rain periods.

Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Zhejiang’s eastern coast Saturday night, then moved toward the interior. It is projected to weaken gradually as it tracks northwestward. Over 50 key tourism sites in Shanghai were closed temporarily or had their opening times altered on Saturday evening.

The national weather centre had previously issued the highest‑level red alert for heavy rain and an orange alert for the typhoon. Current forecasts indicate that parts of eastern and southern Zhejiang and northern Fujian could receive 250‑500 mm of rain, while central and northern Taiwan may experience 250‑800 mm.