Bijie City of southwest China's Guizhou Province experienced heavy rainfall from Tuesday to Wednesday, prompting local authorities to swiftly initiate emergency rescue efforts.
In several towns across Bijie, the rainfall surpassed 150 mm, resulting in water infiltrating houses, damaging roads, and flooding farmland.
In Zhuchang Town, heavy rain caused widespread flooding of crops, with some river embankments giving way, resulting in significant damage to agricultural production.
"The rain kept intensifying. The water level had risen to over one meter, reaching waist height. All local officials have come and relocated 14 people from nine households to safety," said Deng Jun, a local official.
The flood has affected local residents' homes, drenching furniture and electrical appliances.
"It started raining around seven [on Tuesday evening], and it kept getting heavier. The water got about one meter deep, flooding everything on this floor of my house," said Wang Hongkai, a local resident.
In response to the heavy rain, the local government immediately activated a flood control emergency response mechanism, swiftly evacuating the affected residents and assisting them in repairing damaged walls and clearing away silt.
Currently, various restoration efforts are proceeding in an organized manner.
East China's Jiangxi Province also experienced heavy rain, with the water level of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, continuing to rise and exceeding 15 meters.
By Thursday noon, the water level at Xingzi hydrological station had risen to 15.73 meters and is still on the rise.
The water area of the lake has grown significantly due to the heavy rainfall, and meteorological and hydrological departments warn that the water level may continue to rise further.
Southwest China city carries out rescue work after heavy rainfall
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
