Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding and multiple dike breaches in central China’s Hunan Province, forcing evacuations and prompting extensive rescue efforts.
Over the past two days, three dike breaches occurred along sections of the Juanshui River in Xiangtan County. One of the breaches was successfully sealed on Monday afternoon.
The Juanshui River, which flows into the Xiangjiang River—a major tributary of the Yangtze River—experienced record-breaking floods following Typhoon Gaemi. The excessive rainfall led to unprecedented water levels, overwhelming the riverbanks.
In Hekou Town, a dike breach over 30 meters wide occurred at 1:40 p.m. on Monday. The breach caused widespread inundation of homes and farmlands. With helicopters hovering overhead, rescuers raced against time to search for and evacuate trapped residents.
“We are accelerating our search efforts to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Huang Xi, a rescuer at the site.
Liu De’an, a 67-year-old resident with limited mobility, was among those rescued from the rising floodwaters.
“I watched the water rise quickly, flooding the first floor of my house. I was terrified,” he recalled. “Thankfully, the rescuers arrived just in time and saved me.”
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with additional personnel deployed to strengthen dikes and provide aid to affected communities. Evacuation centers have been set up to shelter those displaced by the floods.
The heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days, and residents are urged to stay alert and follow official guidance.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
