Hunan Province Grapples with Severe Flooding, Thousands Evacuated

Torrential rains have battered northern and northwestern Hunan province since Wednesday, impacting over 400,000 people across seven cities and prefecture-level areas. Further heavy downpours were predicted through Tuesday. The severe weather has led to the worst flooding since 1998 along the Lishui River, with some areas experiencing rainfall of up to 648 millimeters.

Both urban and rural areas have suffered significant damage. Shops and homes have been submerged, leaving behind layers of mud and debris. Rescue efforts have been underway, with emergency teams evacuating over 112,000 people to safety by Saturday evening.

In Longshan county, an auxiliary police officer rescued children and other family members from flooded homes. In Loudi, villagers in mountainous regions were evacuated due to the risk of landslides. Rescuers utilized thermal-imaging cameras to locate a missing person. Elderly residents in high-risk areas were relocated to safer locations, averting potential tragedies.

The Hunan Meteorological Bureau issued warnings of continued downpours across central Hunan through Tuesday, accompanied by strong winds. Authorities in Huaihua issued evacuation alerts and urged over 30,900 people in vulnerable areas to evacuate. Residents were relocated to shelters, where they received essential supplies and meals.

Emergency management teams are utilizing satellites and drones to monitor soil conditions and identify potential hazards. Rail travel has been disrupted, with numerous train trips suspended due to the heavy rainfall. The provincial housing and urban-rural development department issued an urgent notice requiring strict safety measures in all basements and underground facilities following a tragic incident where three people died.

Relief efforts are underway. A shipment of essential supplies, including tents, beds, and bedding, has been sent to the flood-hit province. The Chinese Red Cross Society has also dispatched relief items. Cleanup and reconstruction efforts have begun in some counties, with local governments ordering immediate recovery efforts and geological hazard inspections.