In the wake of heavy rains and devastating floods across various regions in China, a highway bridge in northern China collapsed into the Mayi River due to flash floods, with two cars reported to have fallen into the water on August 3. However, rescue operations are still underway, and authorities have closed a section of the Harbin-Mudanjiang Highway in Heilongjiang province as a precautionary measure, ABC News reported.
Images released by local media showcased the severity of the incident, with two badly damaged cars floating in the floodwaters. The bridge gave way around 8:50 a.m. (0050 GMT), leaving it completely submerged. Reports suggest that the rising water levels on the Mayi River surpassed safety levels by 50 centimeters, indicating the persistent risk of further floods in the region.
China has been grappling with extreme weather conditions, with heavy rainfall leading to severe flooding in various areas of the country. The capital city, Beijing, experienced the heaviest rainfall in over 140 years in recent days, as the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri wreaked havoc in the region, transforming streets into waterways. Emergency crews deployed rubber boats to rescue stranded residents in the flood-stricken areas.
Tragically, the Beijing area and the surrounding Hebei province have seen casualties rise to 22, with two rescuers losing their lives in the line of duty. Liu Jianmin, aged 47, was a member of Blue Sky Rescue, a non-governmental organization specializing in relief efforts. He fell into the water in Fozizhuang Township, and his body was later recovered. Another rescuer lost her life on August 2 when the rubber boat she was operating capsized in a rapidly flowing river.
Zhuozhou, a small city in Hebei province bordering Beijing's southwest, has been one of the hardest-hit areas. Over 1,000 rescue workers have been deployed to the city, and more than 125,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations.
The eastern Shandong province also faces the risk of flooding, as water levels on the Zhangwei River continue to rise. In response to these natural disasters, authorities have issued warnings to the affected communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, as the country faced the devastation caused by heavy rains and flooding, Typhoon Khanun impacted Japan, causing damage to homes and power disruptions on Okinawa and other islands. China's National Meteorological Center initially anticipated the typhoon to make landfall in the southeastern Zhejiang province, prompting local authorities to take preventive measures. However, as of August 3, the typhoon is expected to move back toward Japan, with its intensity gradually weakening.
In the aftermath of the floods, communities in the western Beijing district of Mentougou, which houses over 260,000 residents, experienced water supply restoration. The floods led to the evacuation of thousands of residents who were displaced in the affected areas.
Amid the crisis, several organizations, including tech giant Apple, food delivery app Meituan, and China's Red Cross Society, have pledged donations to support relief efforts in the Beijing area.
The situation remains challenging for the affected regions, and authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and water levels to minimize further risks and casualties. As rescue efforts persist, the Chinese people are coming together to support those impacted by these devastating floods.
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