Central China’s Zixing City is grappling with the aftermath of torrential rains that have claimed 50 lives and left 15 people missing, local authorities reported on Monday.
Since late July, the inland city in Hunan Province has been battered by record-breaking rainfall following Typhoon Gaemi. The relentless downpour has toppled the homes of over 1,700 households and triggered more than 65,000 landslides and collapses, devastating infrastructure and livelihoods.
Emergency services have been working tirelessly, with officials stating that 23,419 residents were urgently relocated to safety. The heavy rains wrought havoc across Zixing, a city unaccustomed to such severe weather events, overwhelming local resources and testing the resilience of its people.
Amidst the destruction, there are signs of recovery. Authorities confirmed that road access, power, communication, and water services have been generally restored in all affected areas. Disaster relief efforts are in full swing, focusing on providing shelter, medical care, and essentials to those displaced by the floods.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents,” a local official stated. “We are mobilizing all available resources to support recovery and rebuild our community.”
The situation in Zixing highlights the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region, prompting discussions on disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
