Dike breach in Henan floods hospital and school, 432 evacuated

(ECNS) -- A dike along the Jialu River in Zhoukou, Henan Province, breached Thursday night after heavy rainfall and upstream flood discharge, flooding the Fifth People’s Hospital and a local driving school, authorities said.

Rescuers evacuated 432 people, including 357 patients and medical staff and 75 from the school. All hospital patients and personnel were relocated to three other medical institutions.

The breach, approximately 30 meters wide, occurred Thursday night due to combined pressure from upstream flows on the Jialu River and backflow from the Shaying River.

Rescue operations continued Friday with 290 firefighters deployed.