Heavy rainfall has struck Xiangtan County in central China's Hunan Province, causing severe flooding, multiple dike breaches, and forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
Over the past two days, three sections of the Juanshui River have breached their dikes, overwhelming the local infrastructure. One breach was successfully sealed on Monday afternoon, providing temporary relief to the affected areas.
The Juanshui River, a significant tributary of the Yangtze, has been battling unprecedented water levels following Typhoon Gaemi. This typhoon has pushed the river to record-breaking flood levels, exacerbating the situation.
In Hekou Town, a 30-meter dike breach around 1:40 p.m. on Monday led to extensive flooding, submerging numerous houses and farmland. Rescue operations were swiftly mobilized, with helicopters assisting in evacuating trapped residents amid the rising waters.
\"We are accelerating our search efforts to ensure that no one is left behind,\" stated Huang Xi, a dedicated rescuer on the scene. His team worked tirelessly to navigate the flooded areas and bring people to safety.
Among those affected is Liu De'an, a 67-year-old resident with limited mobility. \"I watched the water rise quickly, flooding the first floor of my house. I was terrified,\" he shared. \"Thankfully, the rescuers arrived just in time and saved me.\"
The community remains on high alert as authorities continue to monitor the situation and work towards mitigating further damage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com