BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Sunday activated a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in the southern island province of Hainan, in anticipation of severe rainfall and potential flooding.

Heavy to torrential rains are forecast in Hainan from Aug 17 to 19, with particularly severe downpours likely in eastern and northern areas. In the heavy rain areas, some small and medium-sized rivers may experience floods exceeding the warning levels.

The ministry has ordered local authorities to strengthen monitoring, forecasting and early-warning, and risk-prone reservoirs are required to operate empty as a precautionary measure.

Precautions to prevent mountain torrents and flooding in small and medium-sized rivers should be taken, the ministry said. It has urged local governments to ensure the complete and timely relocation of residents from danger zones.

A working group has been dispatched to Hainan to assist with flood-control efforts, according to the ministry.