SHIJIAZHUANG, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China's Hebei Province had upgraded its emergency flood response mechanism to its second-highest level in the cities of Chengde, Tangshan, Langfang and Qinhuangdao starting from 9 p.m. Monday.
Following heavy rainfall, the Luanhe and Beisanhe river systems have seen significant rises in water levels, with some rivers expected to experience relatively large floods, according to the Department of Water Resources of Hebei Province.
The department has warned of a severe flood-control situation, as 15 counties have issued red alerts for flash floods -- the highest level in China's four-tier, color-coded weather warning system -- and six have issued orange alerts -- the system's second-highest level.
Local authorities have been ordered to monitor rainfall closely to strengthen early-warning capabilities, evacuate residents in advance of disasters, and patrol river and reservoir embankments.
