BEIJING, Aug. 14 -- China's Ministry of Water Resources initiated a Level-IV flood-control emergency response in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Thursday, amid forecasts of downpours caused by Typhoon Podul.

On Aug. 14 and 15, heavy to extreme rainfall is predicted to affect Guizhou and may lead to rising water levels in several regional rivers, with some small and medium-sized rivers potentially exceeding warning thresholds.

The ministry has urged local authorities to step up real-time monitoring of rainfall and river conditions, issue timely public alerts, and take precautions against urban waterlogging.

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