Hubei Province, Enshi Prefecture, Xuan’en County has been hit by heavy rainfall in recent days, causing rivers to surge. As of 8 p.m. on May 18, the disaster has resulted in at least 3 deaths and 4 people missing.
The Xuan’en County Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Hubei Province reported on WeChat on May 19 that from May 17 to 18, there were widespread heavy to torrential rains in Baishuihe Village, Shadagou Township, Xuan’en County, Enshi Prefecture. The maximum rainfall reached 292.6 millimeters, leading to a surge in river water. Many houses along the river in Baishuihe Village were flooded, some collapsed, and the roads and communications were completely cut off.
According to reports from Jixu News, on the 18th, the water level in Baishuihe River had slightly receded, but the river water remained turbulent and fierce. Along the way to Baishuihe Village, remnants of wood and branches washed ashore by the river, fallen and broken power lines, and scattered rocks rolling down from the mountain were visible everywhere. Many roads were completely destroyed, and in some sections, only one person could pass through at a time.
Locally, Baishuihe Village has a registered population of 502 households with 1,636 people and a permanent population of 800 people. The report stated that as of 8 p.m. on May 18, the disaster has caused 3 deaths and 4 people missing.
According to the “Hubei Meteorological” news, since the afternoon of May 16, there have been heavy rains, torrential rains, and locally extremely heavy rains in western Hubei and Jianghan Plain. As of 2 p.m. on May 18, Enshi (Hefeng County, Xuan’en County), Yichang (Wufeng, Zhijiang City, Dangyang City), Jingzhou (Gongan County, Jingzhou District, Shashi District, Songzi District), Jingmen (Shayang County) and other 46 towns and 48 hours total rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters, with the highest in Wuli Township, Hefeng County reaching 509.3 millimeters.
The meteorological department predicts that rainfall will significantly weaken on May 19, with most areas experiencing light to moderate rain and moderate to heavy rain in southeast Hubei. On the 20th, there will be a period of intermittent rainfall. However, in the coming days, there will still be moderate to heavy rain and locally heavy rainfall.