The National Meteorological Center has issued a blue storm alert, the lowest level in its four-tier warning system, for the next two days in Southwestern China and areas along the Yangtze River.

Heavy rains have battered a vast area of the country's southern region since yesterday, with parts of the region experiencing extreme rainstroms. Another round of heavy rainfall is expected in the next two days, and weather authorities are advising the public to take precautionary measures against potential disasters.