China's Culture and Tourism Ministry Warns of Rain and Temperature-Drop Risks Over Mid-Autumn and N…

Key points

• On 24 September, the Market Management Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a work notice requiring local authorities to strengthen consultation and assessment, focusing on small and medium rivers, slopes and gorges, and flash-flood gullies.
• The notice requires strict implementation of 'call-and-response' early-warning mechanisms with follow-up feedback, and prompt evacuation of visitors from danger zones.
• The National Meteorological Centre forecasts heavy rain from western China to the Huang-Huai region over the Mid-Autumn holiday, with rain and weak cold air in the northeast and northern north China.
• Parts of Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Hubei, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui and Shandong will see moderate to heavy rain and localised downpours, while the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau will see marked rain and snow.
• The notice calls for stronger safety management at mountain- and water-related scenic areas and for tour coaches and cruise boats, to prevent tourism transport, special-equipment, geological-hazard and drowning accidents.
• In the face of extreme weather threats, scenic-area closures and equipment suspensions may be taken as warranted.