BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Tuesday launched a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Chongqing Municipality and Guizhou Province as the two southwestern regions brace for a new round of rainfall.

A team has been dispatched to Guizhou to assist with flood prevention and relief efforts in the province's Rongjiang and Congjiang counties, according to the headquarters.

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

Due to recent rainfall, the upper reaches of the Liujiang River in Guizhou have experienced flooding, necessitating flood-prevention work in Rongjiang and Congjiang, the headquarters said.

According to meteorological forecasts, further heavy rainfall will affect the eastern regions of southwest China. Some parts of Chongqing and Guizhou are expected to experience moderate-to-heavy rains or torrential downpours, leading to heightened risks of river floods, mountain torrents and other geological disasters.

Local authorities have been urged to step up their inspections and implement risk-mitigation measures in key areas, strengthen rainfall and flood monitoring work, and ensure timely evacuation of residents from high-risk areas, according to the headquarters. ■