Yunnan border town steps up rescue efforts after flooding

(ECNS) -- Rescue and relief efforts are underway in Mohan, a border town in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, after heavy rainfall triggered flooding and raised the risk of a reservoir breach, prompting the evacuation of more than 8,000 people.

Mengla County in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture was hit by torrential rain from Aug. 28 to 29, with 24-hour rainfall in Mohan reaching 187.5 millimeters.

A reservoir in Molong Village began overflowing, prompting authorities to open a new spillway to ease pressure and reduce the risk of a breach.

Yunnan’s fire and rescue authorities deployed 356 personnel, 96 vehicles and 41 inflatable boats. By 11 p.m. Sunday, rescuers had saved 53 trapped people, located one person who had previously been reported missing, and addressed 23 safety hazards at the reservoir, according to local authorities.

Temporary shelters, including schools, farms and other safe locations, have been set up for evacuees.

More than 30,000 emergency relief supplies have been sent to the affected area, while mobile charging stations, ambulances and communications equipment have been deployed at the shelters.

Electricity and communications services have largely been restored, while traffic conditions have also mostly returned to normal. 

Local primary and middle schools will postpone the start of the new semester depending on weather conditions.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)