Recently, Fujian province has been hit by heavy rainfall due to the impact of the typhoon, forcing over a thousand reservoirs in the province to jointly regulate flood discharge. In Pu Tian City, the West Lake section of the Mulan River embankment collapsed on September 3rd, resulting in flooding in the nearby villages, causing many houses to collapse and residents to call for help.
According to reports from CCTV, the Huating Town section of the Mulan River embankment in Pu Tian City collapsed at 3 p.m. on September 3rd, but CCTV did not report it until 00:19 on September 4th, delaying the information for 9 hours. The report stated that the embankment collapse led to the flooding of the nearby West Lake Village.
Officials said that by 11 p.m. that evening, 171 people from 50 households had been evacuated. Authorities prepared sandbags for repairs, but would have to wait for weather conditions to allow for work to begin on blocking the collapsed section.
Public information from Pu Tian City indicates that the West Lake Village has around 268 households with approximately 1,236 residents. Officials claimed that only around 18% of households had been evacuated, which amounts to about 13% of the total population.
In addition to the West Lake Village directly impacted by the embankment collapse in Huating Town, the neighboring Xizu Village to the east of Pu Tian is also affected. Local villagers have indicated that the situation in Xizu Village may be even more severe.
Residents of Xizu Village have described how the floodwaters rose suddenly, reaching a depth of about 3 meters and continuing to cover the first floor of houses, with many buildings collapsing rapidly, trapping residents inside. The delayed arrival of rescue teams has left many residents to fend for themselves.
Moreover, the impact of the typhoon “Shadel” has caused severe flooding in Fujian Province, with numerous rivers experiencing record-level rises in water levels. Despite early warnings sent to 3,878 flood control officials, the situation remains dire, with thousands of residents affected by the ongoing flooding.
The stories shared by various residents paint a grim picture of their experiences, from watching their homes collapse to navigating the treacherous floodwaters. The residents also express concerns about the lack of rescue efforts and essential supplies, with many still stranded and unsure of where to seek safety.
As the situation continues to unfold, questions linger regarding the delayed reporting of the embankment collapse and the sudden surge of floodwaters during the night. The coordinated response from authorities and the extent of their preparedness in handling such natural disasters remain under scrutiny.
The consistent testimonies from the affected residents showcase the urgency and severity of the situation, underscoring the need for improved disaster response protocols and timely communication to prevent further loss of life and property.