Authorities in Rongjiang County of southwest China's Guizhou Province lifted the top-level emergency flood response at 10:00 on Sunday, shifting back to routine flood control efforts after heavy rainfall subsided and water levels in rivers and reservoirs across the county stabilized.
One day earlier, the country authorities had re-activated the Level-I emergency response at 12:30, the highest level in China's four-tier weather warning system, after a local hydrological station on the Duliu River recorded a water level of 253.06 meters, with a flow rate of 8,000 cubic meters per second.
In response, more than 1,000 armed police officers from the Guizhou Provincial Contingent of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force were immediately dispatched to support local rescue efforts. Despite surging floodwaters, armed police and militia from surrounding counties worked together to evacuate over 41,500 people to safety as of Saturday afternoon.
Among them were militia members from nearby Danzhai County, which was also recently affected by flooding. The team had been stationed in Rongjiang for nearly a week, vowing to stay until the very end.
"We just got word from home about half an hour ago that our families are safe. That gave us peace of mind out here, and all the more reason to keep going. They're doing their part at home, and we're doing ours here," said Li Xianzhao, a member of the Danzhai County rescue team.
The severe flooding in Rongjiang County has left six people dead, according to local flood control authorities.
Since Tuesday, the county has been hit by a severe flood not seen in 50 years, with water levels in several rivers rising rapidly.
The flood has inundated many low-lying areas and caused significant damage to infrastructure in several townships, resulting in blocked roads, disrupted communications, and stranded residents.
Rongjiang County ends top flood emergency response as rains subside
Rongjiang County ends top flood emergency response as rains subside
