Central Chinese city upgrades flooding response to highest level

The city of Qianjiang, central China's Hubei Province, on Monday upgraded its emergency response for flood control from Grade III to Grade I, the highest of the four-tier system.

   Qianjiang is the first city in Hubei to issue the top-level flooding alert this year, according to the local flood control and drought relief headquarters.

   Torrential rain has been pounding the city over the past days, which has led to serious waterlogging and damage to farmlands. Heavy downpours are forecast to persist in the coming days.

   Also on Monday, Wuhan, capital of Hubei, upgraded its emergency response for flood control from Grade III to Grade II.