With the Spring Festival just around the corner, residents of Zhujiagou Village in northeast China's Liaoning Province are preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year in newly built homes, thanks to swift reconstruction efforts following devastating floods last August.
Heavy rains had lashed Suizhong County, triggering severe flooding that affected 185,000 residents across 110 villages, with Zhujiagou being among the hardest hit. The low-lying village saw roads destroyed, over 70 hectares of farmland submerged, and more than 50 homes damaged—41 of which were beyond repair.
By early September, a relocation project was underway, moving 186 villagers from the 41 affected households to safer ground. Remarkably, by October 24, 2024, all the villagers had moved into their new homes, just in time to face the harsh northeastern winter.
On a freezing Wednesday, President Xi Jinping visited Zhujiagou Village to meet with the residents. Braving the cold, he inspected the progress of post-disaster restoration and reconstruction, inquiring about the quality of the new homes and the villagers' living conditions.
\"Huludao suffered severe flooding last year. I have been concerned about you and came to see you before the Spring Festival,\" President Xi told the villagers. \"What I've seen today makes me feel relieved.\"
Emphasizing the government's commitment to the people, Xi said, \"We have always put the people first. The people can always count on the Party and the government in their most difficult times, and we will help them overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes.\"
President Xi's visit continues his tradition of spending time with people at the grassroots level ahead of the Spring Festival, a practice he has upheld for 13 consecutive years. His visits often focus on regions that have faced hardships, highlighting the government's dedication to improving livelihoods.
In previous years, Xi visited flood-affected communities, such as Diliubu Village in Tianjin last February, where he emphasized the importance of enhancing water conservancy and flood control projects. In 2018, he traveled to Yingxiu Township in Sichuan Province, the epicenter of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, reaffirming his commitment to serving the people.
As the villagers of Zhujiagou prepare to welcome the New Year, President Xi's visit brings warmth and reassurance, symbolizing a fresh start and a hopeful future.
Reference(s):
Xi Jinping visits flood-affected residents ahead of Spring Festival
cgtn.com
