ISTANBUL 

The Chinese central city of Zhengzhou on Thursday suspended outdoor work citywide amid a high-level alert for flood emergency response, Global Times reported.

The Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Henan province raised the flood control emergency response from Level IV to Level III on Thursday due to heavy rainfall.

As a result, the city located in the province implemented mandatory measures such as suspending production, business, classes, transportation, and outdoor activities.

Zhengzhou's Zhongyuan district has seen over 90 millimeters (nearly 3.54 inches) of rainfall, with more expected across the city, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and other severe weather.

The headquarters said that the current rainfall is prolonged, intense, and overlapping with previous storms, creating a significant disaster risk.

Authorities must follow early warning procedures, monitor vulnerable areas like mountain torrents, geological hazards, and small reservoirs, and manage urban waterlogging and infrastructure, the headquarters warned.

It added that the emergency teams should be on alert to detect, report, and address risks, ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing damage.

Separately, China's National Commission for Disaster Prevention launched a Level-IV emergency response on Thursday in Inner Mongolia amid severe flooding, according to state-run Xinhua News.

The Ministry of Emergency Management noted that a special team has been sent to assist local relief efforts in Inner Mongolia province, prioritizing basic needs for affected residents.

The ministry and the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration have partnered to distribute 47,400 units of relief supplies, including tents, beds, blankets, and winter clothing, to support disaster rescue and relocation efforts in the region.

The National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 80 million yuan (approximately $11.21 million) for recovery efforts following the floods in Inner Mongolia.

The funds will focus on restoring damaged infrastructure like water systems, transport, schools, and public services to help communities return to normal life.