Guizhou averts 50 geological disasters during flood season

Guizhou province successfully prevented casualties from 50 geological disasters during the first half of this year, protecting 115 households and 294 people from potential harm, according to provincial natural resource authorities.

The province is highly vulnerable to geological disasters due to its extensive mountains and hills and complex geological conditions. It currently has about 28,900 registered geological hazard sites and high-risk slopes, with more than 2.75 million people potentially exposed to related risks.

During the flood season, concentrated rainfall and frequent extreme weather can saturate soil and trigger landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides. In response, Guizhou has established a four-level prevention and response system covering the provincial, municipal, county, and township levels.

The province has also introduced a five-step mechanism featuring early warnings, direct alerts, rapid action, feedback, and verification, supported by a three-level meteorological forecasting network for geological disasters.

Tens of thousands of village officials and professional monitors remain on duty, conducting continuous inspections and organizing disaster-prevention training and emergency drills.

Technology is further strengthening the system. GNSS-based automated monitoring equipment tracks ground and slope movement around key hazard sites around the clock, while alerts are delivered through broadcasts, text messages, social media, and emergency loudspeakers to reach communities and households quickly.

With the flood season currently ongoing, Guizhou is continuing to strengthen monitoring, grassroots response, and emergency coordination to protect lives.