What happened
On September 5, 2026, at 18:00, the Water Resources Department and the Meteorological Bureau of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region jointly issued a flash flood meteorological risk warning.
According to rainfall forecast analysis, the warning covers the 24-hour window from 20:00 on September 5 to 20:00 on September 6.
A yellow warning indicates a relatively high possibility of flash floods in parts of Korla, Luntai, Yanqi Hui Autonomous County, and Hejing in Bayingolin, as well as Kuqa and Baicheng in Aksu. Blue warnings apply to parts of Changji and Hutubi in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and Hotan city, Hotan county, and Lop in Hotan Prefecture.
Why it matters
Flash flood warnings signal a risk of sudden, fast-moving floodwaters, which can threaten lives and property in vulnerable areas.
The color-coded levels help local authorities gauge urgency, with yellow representing a greater likelihood of flash floods than blue.
The warning notes that other forecast rainfall areas could also see flash floods triggered by short-duration intense downpours, meaning the risk extends beyond the listed localities.
Key facts
The warning was jointly issued by Xinjiang's water resources department and meteorological bureau at 18:00 on September 5, 2026.
The forecast period is from 20:00 on September 5 to 20:00 on September 6, 2026.
Yellow risk zones include parts of Korla, Luntai, Yanqi, and Hejing in Bayingolin, and Kuqa and Baicheng in Aksu; blue risk zones include parts of Changji, Hutubi, Hotan city, Hotan county, and Lop.
What to watch next
People in the warned areas should stay alert to official updates during the specified time window.
The warning emphasizes that even non-listed areas receiving forecast rainfall may face flash floods from brief, intense rain, so broad caution is warranted.
Authorities may adjust warning levels as rainfall conditions evolve.