On May 26, four men from Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province went fishing by the riverbank, when suddenly the water level rose and two of them were swept away by the flood.
A video circulating online shows two men standing in the middle of the river, initially with the water just reaching their knees. They were holding onto each other, attempting to wade to the shore. However, the water current became increasingly swift, causing one man to lose his footing and fall, dragging the other man down with him. Shortly after, both of them were carried away by the river.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to the Southern Country Morning Post, on the night of May 25, Zhangjiajie experienced heavy rain, resulting in flooding in the Yongding area. On the morning of the 26th, four men were fishing near the Lishui Guanyin Bridge, but only two of them noticed the rising water level and evacuated. The other two men hesitated to leave, reluctant to abandon their fishing equipment, and were later swept away by the flood.
On the morning of the 27th, officials from the Yongding District Government of Zhangjiajie responded to the Red Star News, confirming that both men had been retrieved from the river, but unfortunately, they had already passed away. The official stated that the two men were indeed fishing in the river, and the exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters, and highlights the importance of heeding warnings and taking necessary precautions in the face of such circumstances. It also underscores the need for awareness and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities near water bodies, especially during periods of inclement weather. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.