Torrential rains driven by Typhoon Saudel have battered east China's Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, prompting the highest-level flood emergency response.
In Fujian's Fuding City, authorities issued a top-tier mobilization order on Tuesday, implementing the measures including the suspension of bus services and the closure of schools, markets and workplaces.
The heavy rainfall sent water levels surging across all major rivers and tributaries in Fuding. Several townships reported overflow, waterlogging, road landslides, and homes taking on water in low-lying areas.
Village officials have inspected drainage ditches and channels and cleared silt and debris to accelerate drainage.
Rubber boats have been deployed to evacuate trapped residents. As of Tuesday, 2,123 people from danger zones have been urgently relocated and settled.
In neighboring Zhejiang's Longgang City, firefighters worked through Tuesday night to rescue 52 trapped residents.
Among the trapped was an 80-year-old man suffering from bronchitis, stranded on the second floor of a flooded building. Firefighters, joined by community workers, carefully carried the elderly man on a rescue boat and sent him to safety.
Typhoon Saudel triggers top flood alert as torrential rains hit east China
