Zhengzhou in central China’s Henan Province has activated its second level emergency response for flood prevention ahead of heavy rainstorms forecast for Sunday and Monday, which come weeks after the city was hit hard by rain-triggered floods.
What’s the difference between the two downpours?
Weather authorities said the weekend’s heavy rainfall is typical during flood season, which is caused by different factors compared with the rare and deadly floods one month ago.
It is believed that the downpour this time will not be as intense as the previous one. But it will affect wider regions. Experts have warned that the risks remain as reconstructions in the city are still underway.
How are local authorities readying themselves?
According to a notice issued by the Zhengzhou authorities for flood prevention and drought control, residents living in flood-prone zones and those living on the first floor of buildings in urban areas were requested to evacuate.
All tourist resorts have been ordered to shut down and personnel at roadside shops should be evacuated. Buses and outdoor construction sites were asked to pause operations.
How are local people coping?
Having learned lessons from previous floods, some car owners in Zhengzhou have parked their cars on overpasses to avoid potential damage to their vehicles.
Residents bought hammers in case they might be trapped in their cars, and some even purchased kayaks after experiencing waterlogged streets last time.
The public appears to be more prepared for the rainfall this time, which is expected to be on a smaller scale than that of late July.
Source: CGTN
