Image Credit: Xinhua News
A total of 3,832 residents were evacuated after a river dike breached in central China’s Hunan Province on Sunday night, according to local authorities on Monday. The breach occurred around 8 p.m. in the Juanshui River in Yisuhe Town of Xiangtan County, Xiangtan City. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
City flood control and drought relief headquarters stated that the breach prompted the mobilization of 1,205 personnel, including armed police, militia, and professional rescuers. This large-scale effort was supported by more than 1,000 local officials and Party members who played critical roles in rescue and relief operations.
Temporary shelters were set up in four local schools to accommodate the evacuated residents from the villages of Xintang and Xinhu. However, most evacuees opted to stay with relatives and friends, according to officials.
In another incident on Sunday, authorities reported a second dike breach in Huashi Town, also in Xiangtan County. Both breaches impacted sections of the Juanshui River, which flows into the Xiangjiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River. These incidents highlight the region’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management had previously issued warnings of heavy rainstorms in Hunan due to the impact of Typhoon Gaemi. The ministry predicted that from Saturday evening to Monday, parts of the province would experience extremely heavy rainfall, likely contributing to the breaches.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, ensuring residents’ safety and addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing heavy rains. The coordinated response from emergency personnel and community members highlights the region’s preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.