Daily Tribune (Philippines)

56 die in Henan floods

At least 495,000 people were temporaril­y evacuated

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BEIJING, China (Global Times) — At least 56 people were killed in the downpour and floods in Central China's Henan as of Friday and the rain-induced torrents still threaten Xinxiang and Hebi cities after the Weihe River and several reservoirs breached and overflowed, submerging fields and stranding villagers.

At least 495,000 people were temporaril­y evacuated, and 529,000 were relocated by the government, the provincial government said at Friday's press conference.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Central Theater Command has dispatched 25,000 soldiers, armed police and militiamen to Henan. They are rushing against the clock to transfer people trapped by rising floodwater­s.

China State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarte­rs coordinate­d a team of water resources, emergency management and health ministries on Friday to oversee flood response in Xinxiang.

Xinxiang residents and flood control forces tried to close breaches of the Weihe River banks by placing truckloads of stones, but the water current was so strong that it overflowed to neighborin­g villages early morning.

The Global Times tried to get to the hardest-hit counties in Xinxiang on Thursday morning, but was informed that the situation was so severe that teams without boats can no longer get in. Power outages and downed communicat­ions also severely hindered rescue work.

The Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a second group of firefighte­rs from eight provinces to help in rescue efforts.

The ministry also allocated 55 boats, fuel and 1,000 life jackets, the most needed equipment, to support the frontline.

Two sets of powered floating bridges, which can evacuate 450 people at a time, were deployed and gave hope to the stranded. Such equipment is one of the most advanced water rescue facilities that can adapt to complicate­d situations.

 ?? PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CNS ?? PEOPLE’S Liberation Army Rocket Force soldiers transfer children to safe places in flood-ravaged Weihui of Xinxiang, Henan.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CNS PEOPLE’S Liberation Army Rocket Force soldiers transfer children to safe places in flood-ravaged Weihui of Xinxiang, Henan.

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