Heavy Rains Lead to Evacuation of Over 5,700 People in Central China
In the wake of heavy rains pummeling parts of central China this week, authorities were forced to evacuate more than 5,700 residents after a dike breach occurred at China’s second largest freshwater lake. State media reports say that on Friday, a major crack opened up across a 226 meter section of the dike surrounding Dongting Lake in Hunan Province. Video footage shows floodwaters rushing violently through the breach and inundating nearby areas.
Thankfully, no casualties have been reported as of yet. Rescue efforts swung into full force with over 2,300 personnel working to construct an emergency flood barrier. Their aim is to limit any additional damage caused by outgoing waters. The rainfall in the region was said to have exceeded levels not seen in 70 years. Local disaster response was immediately raised to the maximum level. Images coming in show towns partly under water and stranded individuals being rescued by boat.
With more rains forecast, authorities are monitoring water levels at another large lake – Poyang Lake in nearby Jiangxi Province. A statement from China’s Ministry of Water Resources underlined the potential threat faced. As rescue operations continue at Dongting Lake, the hope is no loss of life will result from this already difficult situation brought on by the extreme weather. People across China will no doubt be hopingfor the affected communities’ swift and full recovery.
