China: Blue alert issued due to heavy downpours in southern provinces Jan. 8

Event

As of Tuesday, January 8, heavy downpours are expected to affect the Yunnan and the Guizhou provinces, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In some areas, notably in Yunnan, up to 110 mm of rainfall are expected. As such, weather authorities have issued a blue alert (the first threshold on a scale of four) for heavy rain in the abovementionned regions and provinces, advising local populations to anticipate possible flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

Advice

Individuals present in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces are advised to monitor local weather reports and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.