BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in northwest China's Qinghai Province amid a new round of heavy rainfall.

According to forecasts, heavy rainfall is expected in eastern and southern Qinghai from Thursday to Saturday. As a result, significant rises in water levels are anticipated in the upper main stream and tributaries of the Yellow River in the province, with some small and medium-sized rivers in heavily affected areas potentially experiencing floods exceeding warning levels.

Local authorities have been urged to enhance flood monitoring and early warning, ensure effective flood control for rivers, and protect people's lives and property.

Based on 24-hour rainfall forecasts, the ministry has issued alerts for 10 other provincial-level regions, including Hebei, Liaoning and Hainan, urging them to take precautions and prepare for heavy rainfall.

A Level-IV emergency response to flooding is currently in effect in the three provincial-level regions of Chongqing, Sichuan and Gansu.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response. ■