Heavy rainstorms spawned by strong convection weather has caused severe flooding and traffic disruption in rural areas in central China's Hunan Province and east China's Jiangxi Province, with local authorities mobilizing emergency forces for rescue and disaster relief.
A serious landslide occurred in the storm-hit area of Yizhang County of Hunan Province, causing river water levels to rise, flooding nearby areas.
The landslide has also cut off a road leading to a village in the county's Jiangshui Township, and the local authorities quickly summoned excavators on Sunday morning for clearing work.
After three hours of work, thick muds obstructing the road have been basically cleared, allowing vehicles with higher chassis to pass.
The heavy rainstorm has caused varying degrees of damage to 11 villages in Jiangshui Township. At present, local rainfall has stopped and river levels are falling, according to local authorities.
"The water level rose as high as here when the flood hit, and now it is slowly receding," said a villager named Liao Kailian.
Heavy rainfall also caused a landslide on a road in Dayu County in Jiangxi, with muds, stones, and broken trees blocking the road.
The local department immediately closed the road and organized emergency personnel and machinery to the affected area.
However, the intermittent rainfall has slowed the cleaning speed, and the road section is expected to be open to traffic on Monday, according to emergency personnel.
Heavy rainstorms cause severe flooding, traffic disruption in Hunan, Jiangxi
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
