Earlier this week, heavy rains ravaged the city of Baoding in north China’s Hebei Province, leading to significant loss and devastation. As of 8 a.m. Friday, local authorities confirmed at least 10 people dead and 18 missing. The rain, caused by Typhoon Doksuri, forced the evacuation of 1.54 million people, and efforts to deal with the consequences of this natural disaster are still ongoing.
Evacuation Details
The provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters announced on Saturday that among the evacuated, 961,200 are from areas designated for flood storage and detention in Hebei. These zones are particularly vulnerable to flooding, and the precautionary evacuations were essential in mitigating further loss of life and property.
The Onset of Typhoon Doksuri
Since July 27, Typhoon Doksuri’s impact has been felt across most parts of Hebei. This storm has brought torrential rains that have far exceeded previous records. In Baoding, the average precipitation reached 353.1 millimeters, with the maximum daily rainfall hitting an unprecedented 419.7 millimeters. This figure is higher than the historical extreme of 400.8 millimeters since records began, highlighting the unusual severity of this weather phenomenon.
Impact on Local Communities
The heavy rains and subsequent floods led to the isolation of villagers in Laishui County of Baoding City. News of the distressing conditions is slowly reaching the outside world as communication lines are gradually being re-established. The disruption to phone signals, caused by the inclement weather, meant that only satellite phones, primarily used by rescue teams, were functional.
Personal Stories of Distress
In one heart-wrenching story, a woman identified by her surname An lost contact with her family for four harrowing days. Despite her relentless attempts to send messages and make phone calls, she only heard back from them on the morning of July 31.
Another emotional account involved a mother who could not reach her son until August 2. She received a message that simply said “mom I’m still alive,” which “instantly made me tear up,” according to Lei Yu. She later added, “Fortunately, my child is safe, and he is on the way home.”
Situation in Villages
The village secretary of Laishui County, Liu Dianming, described their situation on August 3, saying, “We are now like trapped on an island and lost contact with the outside world.” He elaborated that “There have been many collapses and mudslides in the past few days, and all roads to the outside have been cut off. Five townships in the mountainous areas of Laishui County have been affected, and all scenic spots by the side of the river have been flooded.”
Widespread Damage
The flooding affected some 883 towns and townships in 98 county-level regions of Hebei, impacting over 2.22 million people. Rescue and repair efforts are currently focused on the damaged roads and bridges, restoration of power and water supplies, and re-establishing communication services. The scale of the destruction is monumental, and the recovery process will likely be slow and costly.
Meteorological Warnings
The Hebei provincial meteorological bureau has issued the second-highest warning for geological disasters, including landslides, in several counties of Baoding City. This warning underscores the ongoing risks and the necessity for continued vigilance and preparedness.
Forecast and Relief Efforts
Torrential rains are forecasted to continue in the coming days across multiple areas of Hebei, adding to the urgency of the rescue and relief efforts. As of Friday morning, Hebei had dispatched 3,385 working groups and mobilized materials worth 150 million yuan (about $21 million) to assist with these efforts.
Conclusion
The tragedy in Baoding is a somber reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of human settlements. The extensive damage and the personal stories of loss and anxiety paint a grim picture of the disaster. As the region braces for more rain, the focus remains on the ongoing rescue and relief efforts and the immense task of rebuilding and healing. Continued support and collaboration will be crucial in the days and weeks to come as Hebei grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.
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