BEIJING, Aug. 4 -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Monday activated a level-IV emergency response for flood control in south China's Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

According to meteorological forecasts, heavy rainfall is expected to hit most parts of the two provincial-level regions from Monday to Wednesday, with some locations likely to experience torrential downpours.

Water levels are expected to rise along the main stream of the Xijiang River as well as its tributaries and other major rivers such as the Beijiang River, with some rivers in the heaviest rainfall areas likely to experience floods exceeding warning levels.

The ministry urged local authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and take measures to protect people's lives and property.

The ministry has dispatched two working teams to Guangdong and Guangxi to guide flood control work.

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