Critical part of annual flood season in China expected to end Monday amid severe flood prevention challenges

The critical part of the annual flood season in China, which usually runs from late July to early August, is expected to end on Monday, but severe flood prevention challenges persist as the country remains in a peak flood season, according to the country's Ministry of Water Resources.

Since the start of the flood season, there have been 25 significant flood occurrences on the country's major rivers, the highest number recorded since data collection began in 1998.

In July, particularly during the critical part of the annual flood season, intense rainfall and frequent flooding pounded the country.

The cumulative national precipitation has reached 183 millimeters, 10 percent above the annual average.

Thirty rivers have seen floods surpassing historical records, with the number of rivers seeing the water level on them exceeding the warning line going up by 120 percent compared to the same period of previous years, and those seeing their water level surpassing safety thresholds nearly 60 percent higher.

Since July, 1,182 large and medium-sized reservoirs in the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Huai River, the Pearl River, the Songhua and Liao River, and the Taihu Lake basins have been actively managed to reduce flood peaks and alleviate pressure on downstream areas.

Currently, the country remains in a peak flood season and faces a challenging flood prevention situation. Floodwaters on the Wusuli River in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is still in excess of the safety line, heavy rainfall in certain areas still poses risks of secondary disaster, and potential future typhoons could further impact the region.

The Ministry of Water Resources has urged strict implementation of flood prevention measures to manage and mitigate risks before they escalate, focusing on safeguarding lives, protecting property and ensuring social stability.

Critical part of annual flood season in China expected to end Monday amid severe flood prevention challenges

Many regions across China are continuing or increasing incentives for trade-in program into the near year, with consumers enjoying more discounts in their major move-up purchases. 

In Shanghai, consumers can enjoy a 15 to 20 percent discount on eight categories of products such as television sets, washing machines, and range hoods in the new round of trade-in promotion. Coupons are available online, which can be used for discounts both in physical stores and on e-commerce platforms.

"I've come here to buy a water heater, and the discount is quite good. Without the national subsidy scheme, it would have cost over 3,000 yuan (roughly 410 in U.S. dollars), but now it's 600 to 700 yuan (82 to 96 U.S. dollars) cheaper. It's a great deal," said a resident in a downtown mall.

In south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the regional department of commerce announced that the amount of subsidy for automobiles, home appliances, and electric bicycles will remain basically at the same levels as in 2024 until new trade-in related measures roll out, while the size of subsidy for products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smart bracelets is expected to be unveiled soon.

The trade-in program is part of China's efforts to boost domestic demand and support economic growth.

Trade-in program continue spurring consumer spending in new year