Flash Floods Hit Yixing, Jiangsu Province
On August 14, 2026, flash floods struck Yixing City in Jiangsu Province following record-breaking torrential rainfall, prompting authorities to escalate the flood control emergency response to Level II .
Weather and Rainfall
The extreme downpour was driven by the residual vortex of Typhoon "White Dolphin," which brought exceptionally heavy rain to the region . By the morning of August 14, Yixing had issued three consecutive rainstorm warnings, escalating from blue to orange . Within a single morning, two weather stations recorded over 100 mm of rainfall in just three hours, with the Hongling Tea Farm recording the highest reading at 139.8 mm .
Emergency Response
In response to the escalating crisis, Yixing upgraded its flood control emergency response to Level II at 9:00 a.m. on August 14 . The government urged residents to minimize outdoor activities and avoid mountainous areas, rivers, reservoirs, and low-lying zones .
Impact and Disruptions
The flash floods caused significant disruptions across the city:
- Road Closures: Multiple sections, including Dingzhang Line, Shuanghu Road Yangling Tunnel, and Zhanglingmu Line, were closed to all traffic due to severe flooding .
- Public Transport: All bus routes serving the southern mountainous areas of Yixing were temporarily suspended .
- Delivery Delays: Express delivery services were postponed in flood-affected areas to ensure courier safety .
- Scenic Area Closures: Several tourist attractions, including Shanjuan Cave, Zhanggong Cave, and Longbeishan Forest Park, were closed .
Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
Emergency services were deployed to assist affected residents. Police and fire rescue teams worked to evacuate trapped individuals, clear flooded roads, and manage traffic . In the towns of Hufu and Ding Shu alone, authorities successfully relocated 11 residents from flood-endangered public housing to emergency shelters .