China's Ministry of Water Resources has warned of a complex and severe situation ahead as the country grapples with an unusually active rainy season that has already swelled hundreds of rivers to dangerous levels. Thursday's warning came as the country entered its annual key flood control period, which runs from late July to early August.

Wang Bao'en, vice-minister of Water Resources, told a news conference that the onset of this year's peak flood season is a critical test for China's disaster prevention systems, as both northern and southern regions are expected to face above-average rainfall.

Since the start of this year's flood season, China has witnessed frequent and highly concentrated torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding along small- and medium-sized rivers, Wang said.

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A total of 25 major floods – those reaching predefined warning levels for major waterways – have been recorded across the country's main river systems, he disclosed.

Meanwhile, 609 rivers have experienced water levels exceeding alert thresholds, a figure 35 percent higher than the five-year average for the same period.

He said that 97 small- and medium-sized rivers have surged above their guaranteed flood levels – the maximum water level that dikes and flood defenses are designed to withstand safely – while 14 rivers have registered their highest water levels since records began.