Zhuozhou Revives: Hebei’s Post-Flood Cleanup Gains Momentum

A month after torrential floods submerged parts of northern China’s Hebei Province, the hard-hit city of Zhuozhou is getting a literal bath . Cleaning crews armed with high-pressure hoses and water trucks are power-washing streets still coated in stubborn flood debris and dust, marking a critical phase in the region’s recovery.

Footage shared by CGTN shows teams tackling mud-caked roads as residents cautiously return to assess damaged homes and businesses. While major dredging work is nearly complete, the fine silt left behind by receding floodwaters has created an unusual challenge – turning sunny days into dusty haze.

Local officials emphasize that the scrubbing campaign aims to “restore normalcy through every drop of water.” The operation highlights both the scale of July’s historic flooding and the painstaking efforts to rebuild. Analysts suggest the cleanup could take weeks, but social media buzz shows young netizens cheering the visible progress with memes of Zhuozhou getting “the world’s biggest car wash.”

As Hebei regains its footing, attention shifts to long-term climate resilience strategies. For now, the rhythmic splash of water jets offers residents a hopeful soundtrack – and cleaner shoes.

Reference(s):

Live: Post-flood reconstruction – Hebei's Zhuozhou streets get 'bath'

cgtn.com