On 18 January 2026, the National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief initiated a Level IV emergency response the lowest tier in China’s four-tier system to mitigate risks associated with low temperatures, rain, snow, and freezing conditions. This measure specifically targets the provinces of Anhui, Henan, Hunan, and Guizhou. The activation was prompted by the year’s first significant cold wave, which swept across central, eastern, and southern China between 18 and 21 January.
In parallel, the National Meteorological Centre (NMC) issued a yellow alert (the third-highest warning level), forecasting temperature drops of 6–12°C across the affected regions, with some areas experiencing plummets of over 16°C. The weather system, characterized by strong winds and complex precipitation patterns, was expected to peak on 19 January. The directive obliges local authorities to bolster coordination, safeguard critical infrastructure such as transport and energy, and prepare for rapid rescue operations. Independent Level IV responses were also triggered in Hubei and Henan.
The severe weather has already had tangible impacts: Beijing witnessed heavy snowfall that dominated social media discussions, whilst Fuyun County in Xinjiang recorded a winter low of -47.4°C. Anhui province issued a yellow blizzard alert for 19 January, and the 0°C isotherm was forecast to shift southwards to Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang by 20 January. Officials have classified this as the most significant weather event of 2026 to date, prompting local governments to implement measures to protect livestock and ensure the continuity of livelihoods.
China’s disaster management framework:
The response is part of China’s established disaster relief framework, based on the 2007 Emergency Response Law. The system uses a four-tier scale (Level I to IV) and a colour-coded warning mechanism (Blue to Red) to categorise threats. Since the 1980s, China has significantly upgraded its meteorological infrastructure, moving towards high-tech observation systems and proactive prevention strategies. This shift aims to enhance resilience against extreme weather events, such as the historic cold waves of November 2021.
The Emergency Response Law of the People’s Republic of China was adopted on 30 August ,2007 and came in effect from 1 November ,2007, this law served as the foundational legal framework for disaster management in China. It shifted the nation’s focus from a reactive, post-disaster relief model to a proactive, comprehensive system of prevention and mitigation.
To standardise the classification of threats and determine the requisite scale of government response, the law established a comprehensive four-level grading system. Often communicated to the public via a colour-coded framework, the hierarchy begins with Level I (Red), designated as ‘Especially Serious’, which necessitates direct intervention by the State Council. This is followed by Level II (Orange), indicative of ‘Serious’ events, and Level III (Yellow), classified as ‘Relatively Serious’ and typically addressed at the municipal or provincial level. The lowest tier, Level IV (Blue), refers to ‘General’ or minor incidents, with management responsibilities customarily devolved to county or local authorities.