Chinese authorities evacuated tourists from the Jiuzhaigou UNESCO World Heritage site in southwestern Sichuan province on July 27 following mudslides caused by heavy rains linked to Typhoon Noul. The site, renowned for its colorful lakes, snow-capped peaks, and multi-tiered waterfalls, saw several key areas closed as officials prioritized visitor safety.

Local authorities announced that due to mudslides, the zone above Arrow Bamboo Lake, including the lake itself in Rize Valley, along with the entire Zechawa Valley within the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, would be temporarily closed to tourists starting July 27. State media reported that stranded tourists were being evacuated safely amidst the closures.

The evacuation coincided with China’s issuance of a red alert, the highest level for flash floods, covering multiple provinces affected by Typhoon Noul. This typhoon, the strongest to impact China this year, brought heavy rains across southern and central China, exacerbating flood risks in provinces such as Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and southeastern Xinjiang. The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly issued the warning, citing elevated dangers from Sunday night through July 27.

Heavy rainfall and its resulting mudslides and soil erosion frequently occur in China’s mountainous areas, particularly during the summer rainy season when steep river valleys are vulnerable. This month alone, at least four landslides with fatalities have been reported nationwide. One of the most severe incidents took place in Chongqing, located in southwestern China, where a large landslide following torrential rain claimed 11 lives and left 50 people missing.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as weather conditions persist, with the emphasis remaining on disaster prevention and public safety amid ongoing flooding concerns linked to Typhoon Noul.