Huai River Authorities Downgrade Flood Emergency Response

The Huai River Flood Control Headquarters and the Huai River Water Resources Commission adjusted emergency response levels for the Huai River basin on August 17, reflecting improved flood conditions following Typhoon “White Dolphin” and its residual circulation. According to Xinhua News, the authorities downgraded the flood emergency response for the Shaying River system in Henan Province from Level 2 to Level 3, and the flood defense response from Level II to Level III, effective at noon on August 17.

Context: Typhoon-Triggered Flooding

The adjustment comes after days of severe flooding in central China’s Henan Province. Typhoon “White Dolphin” brought persistent heavy rainfall from August 10-12, with Luohe City recording an average precipitation of 270.1mm and a maximum of 434.2mm. The Shaying River, the largest tributary of the Huai River flowing through Henan and Anhui provinces, experienced its first flood of 2026 when water levels at the Zhoukou hydrological station reached the warning level of 46.10 meters on August 12, as reported by Xinhua News.

Key Developments

Emergency Response Adjustments

Under the comprehensive assessment framework of the Huai River Flood Control and Drought Relief Emergency Plan, the authorities maintained a Level 4 flood emergency response and Level IV flood defense response for the Shaying River system in Anhui Province, while terminating all emergency responses for other areas in the basin. This marks a significant de-escalation from the August 15 adjustment, when the Shaying and Hongru River systems in Henan were maintained at Level 2.

Dike Breach Closure

A critical development in the flood response was the successful closure of a dike breach on the Jialu River, a tributary of the Shaying River, in Zhoukou’s Chuanhui District. The breach, which occurred on the night of August 13 and widened to approximately 117 meters, was sealed at 20:29 on August 15 after roughly 45 hours of continuous rescue operations. As Xinhua News detailed, the operation involved 270 rescue personnel and 138 pieces of equipment from the China Anneng Group, working alongside armed police, fire rescue, and emergency management teams.

“We creatively adopted the operation method of ‘grabbing and wrapping the head, ultra-wide dike, two-way advance, combining horizontal and vertical, seepage prevention and airtight closure’ based on the actual terrain conditions,” said Wang Pingwu, Deputy Director of the Emergency Rescue Department at China Anneng Group. The innovative “bridge-above and bridge-below linkage” closure pattern overcame the challenge of limited construction clearance beneath the bridge spanning the breach.

Flood Detention Area Activation

Earlier in the crisis, the Nihewa flood detention area in Henan Province was activated on August 13 at 02:00 to divert excess floodwater from the Shaying River system. According to Xinhua News, 4,567 people were evacuated from 10 villages across two townships, plus an additional 281 people outside the emergency plan area. The detention area, with a maximum flood storage capacity of 236 million cubic meters, stopped flood diversion at 09:00 on August 14.

Analysis: Coordinated Flood Management

The response to the Shaying River flood demonstrates China’s tiered approach to flood disaster management. The Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level IV flood defense emergency response for Anhui and Henan provinces on August 12 and dispatched six working groups to assist with flood defense operations. As China Water News reported, reservoirs played a crucial role in flood mitigation, with the Baiguishan Reservoir achieving over 90% peak flow reduction.

“The flood situation on the Shaying River is severe - this is exactly when reservoirs should play their role!” said Zhang Zhijun, Chief Engineer of the Baiguishan Reservoir Operation Center. The coordinated operation of six major reservoirs, including Qianping and Yanshan, was directed by the Ministry of Water Resources to maximize flood interception.

What’s Next

While the downgrade signals improving conditions, the National Flood Control Headquarters maintained a Level 3 response for Jiangsu and Level 4 for Henan, Zhejiang, and Anhui as of August 17. The Ministry of Water Resources noted that Shaying River water levels at the Zhoukou section would remain above guarantee levels for two days after the flood peak passed. Drainage operations continue in affected areas, with 13 drainage teams from the Ministry of Emergency Management deployed to Zhoukou, and 80 million yuan in central natural disaster relief funds allocated for Henan, Hubei, and Anhui.

Post-breach recovery work, including dike inspection, flood drainage, and resettlement of affected residents, is being carried out as authorities remain vigilant for potential aftershocks from the typhoon season.