China activates Level-IV geological disaster emergency response for Shaanxi, Gansu

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) has activated a Level-IV emergency response for geological disasters in northwest China's Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

Parts of northwest China and the Sichuan Basin will experience heavy to torrential rainfall until Saturday, with some areas facing extremely heavy rainfall, according to meteorological forecasts.

Following joint consultations and assessments with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the MEM has identified a high risk of geological disasters in southwestern parts of Shaanxi and southern parts of Gansu.

The ministry has asked relevant authorities in affected regions to deploy rescue forces, supplies and equipment in advance, and intensify inspections and early warnings to avoid casualties.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for geological disasters, with Level I being the most severe. ■