Over 2,600 people stranded in flash flood in south China
NANNING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A flash flood triggered by days of heavy rain submerged a low-lying town in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, trapping more than 2,600 residents in their homes for two days, local officials said Friday.
No casualties have been reported.
The stagnant water flooding the town of Beigeng in the county of Xincheng measured more than 30 million cubic meters, or the size of a medium reservoir, said Xie Dayan, head of Xincheng County.
However, Xie said the water has started to recede and if it does not rain again the county's main road is expected to surface from the floodwater by Saturday night.
Residents are traveling on home-made rafts on the flooded streets to fetch daily necessities. People whose homes are completely lost or seriously damaged have been evacuated to temporary shelters, local officials said.
Officials said the town has sufficient food and water after relief poured in.
Stagnant water started to surge in Beigeng at a rate of 15 cm per hour from Thursday afternoon after days of heavy rain.
All roads leading to the township have been cut off and 21 houses collapsed.
Last year the township was flooded for five days in June.
Editor: Bi Mingxin