30 tourists rescued in sudden snowmelt flood in Urumqi

(ECNS) -- A total of 30 tourists were rescued in a sudden snowmelt flood in the Shagou scenic spot in Banfanggou Town, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, on Saturday.

Policemen at the Banfanggou Police Station immediately rushed to the scene after receiving the emergency call.

The rescue team found that the widest part of the river was nearly five meters. Due to the rapid and freezing cold current, the trapped tourists had to wait under pine trees on the other side of the river.

The trapped tourists were finally transferred to a safe location after more than three hours. Police then set up a temporary control point to block the area and prevent passing tourists.

The snow has been melting quickly recently due to the rising temperature. The Banfanggou Police Station reminded people who go to the mountains not to stay in low-lying areas near the river and to pay attention to the river flow to avoid danger. If trapped in a flood, don't risk escaping, but call police for help in time.