A national precipitation forecast map from September 11-12, 2025 Photo: CCTV

 

The flood control and drought relief headquarters in Xuchang, Central China's Henan Province, issued a notice on Thursday ordering the immediate suspension of work, business operations, transportation, and classes in the city's central urban area, with a red rainstorm warning issued in the city on the same day, according to multiple local media reports.

Rain cloud clusters over Xuchang's main urban area are moving slowly, with heavy rainfall continuing, according to the local meteorological observatory. Rainfall has already exceeded 70-80 millimeters and is expected to surpass 100 millimeters, local media in Xuchang reported on Thursday, citing the release by the flood control and drought relief headquarters.

The rainfall is marked by long duration, wide coverage, high volume, and strong intensity. A Level II flood control emergency response has now been activated, the report said.

To ensure full preparedness for heavy rainfall, public venues and transportation will be suspended, and schools, hospitals, enterprises, and other institutions should adopt flexible work arrangements and promptly activate disaster response plans, with work, business operations, transportation, and classes in the central urban area suspended from 5 am on Thursday.

Underground malls, parking facilities, and flood-prone areas must be monitored around the clock, with operations halted where necessary and hazardous road sections closed under traffic control.

As of 8:45 am on Thursday, a total of 60 meteorological warning signals had been issued across Henan Province, Dahebao, a local media outlet, reported. The Xuchang meteorological observatory upgraded the orange rainstorm warning signal to a red rainstorm warning signal at 4:05 am on Thursday. 

From Thursday to Friday, heavy to extremely heavy rain is forecast in the Huanghuai region, including parts of Henan, East China's Shandong Province, and northern parts of East China's Jiangsu Province and Anhui Province. Rainfall in some areas of Henan and Shandong may be unusually intense for this time of year, CCTV News reported.

Experts warn that cumulative rainfall since early September has already exceeded seasonal averages in Henan and southern Shanxi. Authorities and the public should remain alert to secondary disasters, while residents are advised to avoid mountains, river valleys, and other high-risk areas during the rain, CCTV reported.

Global Times