Overview

On June 26, 2024, several regions in Sichuan Province, China, experienced persistent and intense rainfall, resulting in severe flooding and landslides. In response, local authorities escalated their emergency flood control response to Level Four, as reported by Lianhe Zaobao, underlining the seriousness of the unfolding disaster.

Timeline of Events

Date	Event Description
June 24-25	Continuous and heavy rainfall begins in southwestern Sichuan.
June 25, PM	Rain intensity increases, triggering rising water levels.
June 26	Local government initiates Level Four flood emergency response

Affected Areas

The most impacted regions include Chongzhou, Dujiangyan, and adjacent areas in western Sichuan. Preliminary figures indicate several small river basins experienced 24-hour precipitation volumes exceeding 150 mm, with some areas recording up to 220 mm.

City/District	24-hour Rainfall (mm)	Key Effects
Chongzhou	210	Urban flooding, landslides
Dujiangyan	160	Road closures, evacuations
Pengzhou	180	Agricultural loss, road damage

Emergency Response and Government Actions

The Level Four emergency response, the lowest in China's four-tier flood response system, still necessitates swift action. Measures taken included:

• Suspension of schools and local bus routes in impacted areas
• Deployment of rescue teams for evacuation and emergency repairs
• Real-time monitoring of rivers and dams
• Issuance of safety alerts through media and SMS

Level	Criteria	Authority Involved
Four	Localized heavy rainfall, potential flood	Municipal and district governments
Three	Provincial impact	Provincial emergency office
Two	Multiple major rivers affected	State Flood Control HQ
One	Widespread, catastrophic flooding	National response, cross-provincial

Impact on Local Communities

Residents in the most affected areas reported:

• Property loss due to inundation
• Temporary displacement of hundreds of families
• Disrupted telecommunications and transportation
• Concerns over food and water supplies

Local officials urged citizens to stay updated with government-issued warnings, avoid flood-prone areas, and aid vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly.

Broader Context: Sichuan's Flood Challenges

Sichuan, known for its complex terrain and large river systems, is particularly prone to flood and landslide disasters in summer. The province has invested heavily in flood mitigation in the last decade, yet abnormal weather patterns have created evolving challenges.

Outlook and Recommendations

Meteorologists forecast continued rainfall in the coming days, posing a risk of secondary disasters, such as landslides. Authorities emphasize the importance of:

• Vigilant weather monitoring
• Community preparedness outreach
• Long-term infrastructure upgrades

Conclusion

The recent extreme weather events highlight the urgency of local disaster risk management and climate adaptation strategies, not just in Sichuan, but across China. Continued vigilance and prompt government response are crucial to minimize loss and ensure public safety.