BEIJING -- The Ministry of Water Resources on Sunday activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Chongqing, Sichuan and Gansu amid a new round of heavy rainfall.

Over the next few days, these three provincial-level regions are forecast to experience torrential rains that could push river levels above warning thresholds.

Authorities in these regions have been urged to enhance real-time monitoring of rivers and rainfall, issue timely warnings, and carry out evacuations if necessary to protect lives and property, the ministry said.

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