Drama unfolded in central China's Hunan Province on Friday evening when a dike at Dongting Lake breached, leading to the evacuation of 5,755 residents from the area. 😲
The breach occurred at 5:48 p.m. in Huarong County after emergency repair efforts sadly failed. By 10 p.m., the breach had widened to 8 meters in width and stretched 150 meters in length, according to local flood control authorities.
Water from the lake gushed through the gap at a rapid pace, flooding an area of about 50 square kilometers near Tuanbei Village in Tuanzhou Township. This brings back memories of 1996 when the same area faced a similar crisis. 🌊
Rescue operations kicked into high gear with sand carrier ships and trucks working tirelessly to fill the gap. Local governments sprang into action, providing 1,000 tents, 3,200 folding beds, summer cooling mats, and mattresses to ensure those displaced were comfortable. 🏕️
Dongting Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in China, has been under pressure due to the heaviest rainfall Hunan has seen this year since June 16. Some regions have even broken historical records for rainfall. 🌧️
The community's swift response and the safe relocation of residents highlight the resilience and solidarity in the face of natural disasters. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Reference(s):
Dike breach occurs in China's Dongting Lake, 5,755 evacuated
cgtn.com
