A family of four from Henan Province was on their way to camp at Beichangtan in Zhongwei, Ningxia when they encountered a flash flood near the Yellow River, causing the mother and her 10-year-old son to be swept away, and their whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
On July 20th, the Sandaotou District Branch of Zhongwei Public Security Bureau reported that at 5:35 am on July 18th, Mr. Li called the police, stating that on the night of July 17th, around 11 pm, he drove with his wife and two children to camp at Beichangtan. However, they encountered heavy rain on the way and decided to turn back. On their way back, they inadvertently entered a mountain flood channel under the Mengbei Road and 338 National Highway interchange bridge in Sandaotou District, about 1 kilometer from the Yellow River. They sought shelter from the rain and were suddenly hit by a flash flood, causing his wife and one child to be swept away, losing contact.
According to Jiemu News, the Li family is from Henan Province. Following the incident, multiple relatives and friends rushed to Zhongwei to handle the matter, with ongoing search and rescue efforts at the scene.
Li’s mother stated that he is her eldest son, his wife is 29 years old, and their eldest grandson is 10. “My son is strong. When carrying his grandson up to higher ground, he was knocked down by the flood but managed to get back up.” At that moment, as her son turned around, his wife had just opened the car door with their grandson and was swept away by the flood. Soon after, the car was also carried away by the flood.
According to another relative, after Li and his younger son successfully rescued themselves, they stayed at a high point until around 5 am the next day. Li climbed up to the nearby highway, flagged down a passing car, and used the driver’s phone to alert the authorities. As of now, the mother and son have yet to be found.
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This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of flash floods. The sudden onset of heavy rain and swelling of rivers can pose a serious threat to unsuspecting travelers, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about weather conditions and being prepared for emergencies during outdoor activities.
The courage and quick thinking displayed by Li and his younger son in attempting to rescue themselves under such harrowing circumstances are commendable. Their resilience and determination to seek help despite the adversity they faced reflect the strength of the human spirit in times of crisis.
The family’s ordeal has drawn attention and support from their relatives, friends, and local authorities, who have come together to aid in the search and offer assistance during this difficult time. The ongoing efforts to locate the missing mother and son demonstrate the unwavering commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being.
As the search and rescue operation continues, our thoughts are with the Li family, hoping for a positive outcome and a swift reunion of the missing loved ones. May their story serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters, and inspire unity and solidarity in times of adversity.