Anhui flood expected to hit peak soon

The flood hitting the middle and lower reaches of the Yangzte River has forced Anhui province to raise its flood response alert to the second highest level on Tuesday, while the flood peak is forecast to come soon.

An announcement issued by the provincial flood and drought relief headquarters on Tuesday night requires its five cities along the river－Anqing, Chizhou, Tongling, Wuhu and Maanshanto evacuate all residents from threatened areas.

Official information from the provincial government shows that the flooding has so far affected more than 2 million people. Over 300,000 people have relocated.

Based on the forecast from the Central Meteorological Center on Wednesday morning, areas including the vast central and southern parts of Anhui will see torrential rains, with rainfall volume expected to reach up to 120 millimeters between 8 am Wednesday and 8 am Thursday.

Provincial flood control authorities said major rivers would see flood peaks before the end of Thursday.

In the riverside Zongyang county of Tongling city, more than 13,000 residents had been relocated by Tuesday night.