Chongqing - Since June 10, the National Meteorological Centre has issued rainstorm warnings for 30 consecutive days, with recent heavy rainfall shifting to the Sichuan and Huai River Basin.

Chongqing residents wade through flooded streets after heavy rainfall. (Photo/Shi Heng)

From July 9 to 12, the upper Yangtze and Jialingjiang River Basins face their largest floods of the season. On July 10, Chongqing's central urban area experienced the first major flood peak. Hydrological forecasts predict the flood will pass through Chongqing around July 12, with Cuntan station water levels nearing the 180.5-meter alert level.

Days of heavy rainfall in Chongqing have caused waterlogging on the roads. (Photo/Shi Heng)

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water Resources allocated 848 million yuan (USD 116.6 million) for flood relief in Chongqing and other provinces to repair flood-damaged water conservancy projects and address hidden hazards.

Additionally, the Chongqing Water Resources Bureau coordinated with the Sichuan Water Conservancy Department to manage reservoir scheduling in the Jialing River Basin in preparation.

"We dispatched Tingzikou Reservoir in Guangyuan City, Sichuan, and Caojie Reservoir in Hechuan District, Chongqing, to vacate capacity in advance,"  said Song Gangyong, an officer from Chongqing Water Resources Bureau. "This allows them to play a critical role in flood control by stopping floods, staggering peaks, and reducing peak flow during crucial moments."

As a megacity with over 30 million residents, Chongqing is modernizing its flood control efforts. Through its three-level digital urban operation and governance center, the city has established a comprehensive natural disaster prevention, reduction, and rescue system that integrates consultation, assessment, emergency response, and rescue operations.

The center uses IoT sensors to monitor heavy rainfall, flash floods, waterlogging, and other disasters at 18,000 risk points and shelters. It provides real-time data analysis and early warnings, enabling quick and efficient departmental responses. The entire process, from risk assessment to remediation, is visualized to enhance efficiency and collaboration.

The comprehensive natural disaster prevention, reduction, and rescue system. (Graphic/Yubei District)

Shapingba District, facing the Jialing River, recently launched Chongqing's first comprehensive digital flood control command system.

"The system uses 3D modeling of the Jialing River's topography, facilities, and real-time data from 14 reservoirs, 32 hydrological stations, and over 2,800 rainfall stations," said Ling Jian, deputy district mayor of Shapingba District People's Government.

The flood control system dynamically simulates and displays potential flood areas, aiding in the quick identification of evacuation zones. It generates emergency response plans detailing households, merchants, shelters, and evacuation routes.

The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration have praised the system, which was selected for the UN World Meteorological Organization's early warning projects.

The local government advises residents and tourists to avoid river areas during the flood and stay updated on warnings and rainfall updates.

Chongqing Passenger Ship Co., Ltd. temporarily suspended sightseeing routes from Hongyadong to Ciqikou and Ciqikou to Dazhulin. The reopening date will be announced later, and tourists should adjust their travel plans accordingly.