HARBIN, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday issued two flooding alerts, over concerns that several sections of the Songhua River are forecast to see flooding crests in the coming days.
The provincial hydrology and water resources center issued a blue alert at 1 p.m. Monday for flooding in the Jiangqiao section of Nenjiang River, as the water level at Jiangqiao hydrologic station was expected to reach 139.7 meters two hours later.
The center also issued a blue alert for flooding in the Jiamusi section of Songhua River at 1:30 p.m. Monday, 18 minutes after the water level at Jiamusi hydrologic station reached 79.1 meters.
China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
In the coming days, several hydrologic stations along the main stream of Songhua River, including one in the provincial capital of Harbin, are expected to see flood crests, according to the center.
Typhoon-induced heavy rains have pushed the water level of dozens of rivers in Heilongjiang above warning markers in recent days.
As of 8 a.m. Sunday, the water level of 24 rivers in the province exceeded the warning mark by 4 cm to 2.51 meters, according to the provincial hydrology and water resources center. ■
