LANZHOU, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Most-severe weather and geological disaster warnings were issued in northwest China's Gansu Province on Friday as the region continued to be battered by intense rainfall, raising the risk of geological disasters and flash floods.

A red alert for weather-induced geological disasters was jointly issued by the provincial department of natural resources and the provincial meteorological bureau on Friday afternoon, warning of a high possibility of geological hazards such as landslides, soil collapses and mudslides.

Earlier the same day, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters issued two separate red alerts for flash flood.

Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 100 to 180 millimeters by 11 p.m. Friday -- with the heaviest hourly downpours expected to range from 30 to 70 millimeters.

Due to the heavy rainfall, Maijishan scenic area in Tianshui, home to the UNESCO-listed Maijishan Grottoes, has been temporarily closed to visitors since Thursday morning, according to local authorities.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. ■