Local authorities in several heavy-rain-hit regions of southwest China's Guizhou Province swiftly deployed cargo drones to airdrop essential supplies to affected areas and evacuated trapped residents from Sunday to Tuesday.
Persistent heavy rains caused rising water levels in a river in a sub-district of Kaili City. The only bridge connecting a village to the outside world was submerged by floodwaters, isolating 376 residents from 93 households.
To help those trapped who faced shortages of daily necessities, large cargo drones were mobilized to precisely airdrop essential supplies, including rice, pork, eggs, and noodles, to designated drop-off points within the village on Sunday morning.
Local officials said a second batch of supplies was being prepared as the villagers were still trapped as the water was declining slowly.
"The first batch that just finished was aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the people based on our current assessment, and preparations for the second batch of supply purchases are actively underway," said Zhang Xiaosong, deputy head of the sub-district office.
From 20:00 on Monday to 8:00 on Tuesday, Sandu Shui Autonomous County experienced continuous heavy rains, with the maximum precipitation reaching 166.6 millimeters, resulting in hazardous situations in multiple areas. The local authorities swiftly evacuated and resettled 502 households, totaling 1441 people.
In response to potential landslides in several sub-districts, firefighters deployed inflatable boats to evacuate trapped residents to safety. Additionally, officials and residents coordinated the relocation of teachers and children from a kindergarten to a temporary shelter while arranging for personnel to be on duty.
The traffic police department implemented dynamic traffic controls on hazardous road sections. Rescue teams navigated through flooded areas for search and rescue operations, ultimately successfully rescuing submerged vehicles.
Also in the county, on Tuesday morning, the approach bridge of a major mountain-crossing bridge on the Xiamen-Chengdu Expressway collapsed due to a landslide caused by continuous heavy rains.
Local authorities reported no casualties due to the accident.
A freight truck was on the bridge when the landslide occurred, but people aboard were all rescued without any injuries.
The emergency, public security, and transportation departments have swiftly arrived at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts and develop alternative routes.
Rain-battered Guizhou airdrops supplies via drones, evacuates trapped residents
