Henan Flood, China: Death Toll Becomes 69, Public Facility Services Recover

Flood impact in Zhenzhou, Henan, China. (Wikimedia Commons/Wzl19371)

JAKARTA - The death toll from heavy rains and floods in Henan Province, China has risen to 69, while five others are still missing as of Monday.

According to the Global Times, Tuesday, July 27, Zhengzhou, Xinxiang, Anyang and Hebi are the four worst-affected cities in Henan, undergoing restructuring after the floods receded. Dirty water in roads and tunnels is pumped out in Zhengzhou and Xinxiang.

Meanwhile, electricity supply, communication networks, water, natural gas pipelines and urban public transportation in most major urban areas in the four cities have been improved.

In Zhengzhou, the first city to be hit by rain, 330 of the city's 339 bus lines are back in operation. Metro (subway) service still not working. Another person was found dead in a Line 5 subway tunnel by rescue teams on Sunday.

Last week, metro authorities said 12 people were found dead due to heavy rains on Tuesday, when passengers were trapped, while more than 500 passengers were evacuated.

By 11 p.m. Sunday, the pumping of dirty water from the Jingguang Tunnel had been completed. Six victims were found there, after the rescue team managed to evacuate 249 vehicles from three sections of the tunnel during five days of evacuation.

Illustration of a flood in China. (Wikimedia Commons/Chase Chesser)

"Heavy rains and floods caused damage in 1,558 locations in various cities and regencies. More than 675,500 people were temporarily evacuated and at least 872,900 people have been relocated. Meanwhile, around 157,300 people need emergency life support," said the Henan Provincial Government in a statement Monday afternoon local time. .

The provincial government added that the total loss so far is estimated at around 71.53 billion yuan, or about 11.03 billion US dollars.

"We are deeply saddened by the many casualties caused by the recent heavy rains in Henan and other places. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and sympathies to the injured and their families," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at a conference. virtual press.

Premier Li added that to support areas hit by heavy rains, the central government will allocate several billion yuan from the government reserve fund, with further support to be provided.

"Local governments must also allocate special funds. At the same time, public donations must be used openly and transparently," said Premier Li.