Firefighters braved heavy rainfall to rescue trapped people in downpour-battered areas in east China's provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi on Saturday after heavy rain caused severe flooding. While hiking in Lujitan Forest Park in Fujian's Fuzhou City, 17 tourists encountered a sudden heavy downpour, and an unexpected flash flood blocked the path.
When the firefighters arrived at the scene, floodwaters were still surging downstream, and the tourists were trapped on the opposite bank. After observing the surrounding terrain, the firefighters built a temporary handrail for crossing the river with ropes.
After nearly an hour and a half of rescue efforts, the tourists were successfully evacuated one by one to a safe location.
Torrential rain also hit many areas in Jiangxi's Dexing City on Saturday. Affected by heavy rain and mountain torrents, the water level of local rivers rose up, stranding two villagers working on the farmland in Nanxi Village, Damaoshan Town.
Upon receiving the call for help, local firefighters rushed to the site. But the turbulent water flow posed great challenges to the rescue efforts.
Three firefighters donned protective gear and waded through the water, while the other team members set up anchor points in the safe zone and connected them with protective ropes. Along the way, one rescuer was knocked down by the swift current but was fortunately pulled back with the help of the safety ropes.
As the water level rapidly rose, the rescue team switched to aerial operations, lowering rope-attached lifebuoys from a bridge to the villagers. Using the ropes, they helped one villager move toward the riverbank, while rescuers simultaneously assisted from the shore and brought him to a safe area. After putting on a lifebuoy, another trapped villager drifted downstream toward an assault boat. The boat quickly intercepted him and transferred him to a safe area.
The two trapped villagers were safely rescued after one hour of intense rescue efforts.
Firefighters rescue people trapped by floods in east China
Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.
"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.
The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.
"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.
"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.
To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.
"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.
"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.
"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.
Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration
