Recently, many parts of China have experienced heavy rainfall, with a wide range, high intensity, and significant extremity. Some areas in provinces such as Hunan, Hubei, and Chongqing have suffered varying degrees of damage from heavy rain and flooding, with flood control pressure continuing to rise. Disasters are commands. At the forefront of the flood’s onslaught, in the main battleground of rescue and disaster relief, and where the people need it most, Party members and cadres adhere to the principle of “people first, life first,” rushing to the front line of flood prevention and rescue. Today, we focus on several flood prevention and rescue scenes.

Covered in mud like a clay statue, a photo of Tian Ruliang, leader of the Shanghongyan Village Group in Guipishan Administrative Village, Maguan County, Yunnan Province, has recently attracted much attention from netizens.

On the night of May 17, a continuous heavy rain with a maximum rainfall of 256.4 millimeters suddenly hit Tian’s village. At 10:18 PM, after receiving a flood warning, Tian immediately took action, braving the rain to travel through the village overnight, alerting residents to take precautions.

A surveillance video shows Tian using a flashlight to walk on the muddy road in the heavy rain, notifying residents who had not yet evacuated one by one.

At 4:48 AM on May 18, a sudden, powerful flash flood and mudslide surged down, instantly engulfing Tian. Fortunately, as he was swept away by the mudflow, he grabbed a nearby tree and stopped. Seeing Tian safe, the villagers who came to help also breathed a sigh of relief.

Villager Pan Kaiying from Shanghongyan Village Group said, “He came out covered in mud. I felt very sad at the time, but also happy for him. I quickly took a photo with my phone to commemorate it.”

In the photo, Tian was covered in mud, but he knew this was a life-saving race against the flood. Without taking a break, he simply washed off some mud and continued with the work of evacuating residents.

In the deep night, Tian’s tireless efforts deeply moved the villagers.

Tian said, “If I didn’t go up, and other residents were in danger, I would fail my duty. So no matter how great the danger, I will go up. My thought is that although my position is not high, my responsibility is great.”

“The position is not high, but the responsibility is great.” This is Tian’s simple belief. Facing sudden flash floods and trapped residents, countless Party members and cadres became “counter-current fighters,” unafraid of raging floods or the risk of landslides, working day and night to build a life barrier for the affected people.

On May 22, when reporters met Wen Shunian, Party branch secretary of Nisha Community in Hupingshan Town, Shimen County, Changde, Hunan Province, he was busy evacuating residents again. According to weather forecasts, Shimen County would experience another heavy rainfall on the 25th and 26th. He needed to ensure all residents at three geological hazard points in the community were moved to higher, safer ground.

Nisha Community is located on both sides of the Xieshui River. A few days earlier, Shimen County experienced heavy rainstorms, with Hupingshan Town seeing extreme rain, recording 359.6 millimeters in 24 hours, exceeding the historical extreme for the county.

In the early hours of May 18, a flash flood on the Xieshui River rushed into the community. Most residents in dangerous areas were safely evacuated under the command of Secretary Wen and community workers.

However, just as everyone thought they could relax, Wen discovered that on the old street of the community, Qin Jiaxue was trapped on the second floor and unreachable. The water level was rising rapidly, creating a critical situation.

Luo Wenjing, a women’s director of the community, said, “Because his phone was unreachable, we thought he wasn’t there or had passed away. Other rescuers were ready to give up, but the secretary said never give up. I was very moved by this. I feel Secretary Wen truly puts these residents first.”

In the critical moment, they would never give up on any resident! Wen and the rescue team unhesitatingly waded through the water, climbed to the second floor of the house, and rescued Qin Jiaxue, who was nearly in shock.

That night, Wen led community workers and the rescue team to rescue five trapped residents and safely evacuate over 200 people.</

Shanghongyan Village Group

Shanghongyan Village Group, located in the mountainous region of Fujian Province, China, is a historic Hakka settlement known for its well-preserved traditional earthen buildings (tulou). These fortified communal structures, some dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, reflect the architectural and defensive ingenuity of the Hakka people. Today, the village offers a glimpse into centuries-old rural life and cultural heritage.

Guipishan Administrative Village

Guipishan Administrative Village is a rural administrative unit located in China, typically under the jurisdiction of a larger county or city. Its history is rooted in traditional agricultural communities, where local governance and land management have shaped its development over centuries. The village likely reflects broader patterns of Chinese rural life, with cultural practices tied to farming and local customs.

Maguan County

Maguan County, located in Yunnan Province, China, is a border county adjacent to Vietnam with a history shaped by its strategic location. It was a key site during the Sino-French War in the late 19th century, particularly known for the Battle of Maguan. Today, the county is recognized for its diverse ethnic cultures and role in cross-border trade.

Yunnan Province

Yunnan Province, located in southwestern China, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and rich biodiversity. Historically, it was a key region on the ancient Southern Silk Road and later became a frontier area influenced by various dynasties and kingdoms. Today, it is a major tourist destination, famous for sites like Lijiang’s Old Town, the Stone Forest, and the terraced rice fields of Yuanyang.

Nisha Community

The Nisha Community refers to a small, isolated ethnic group primarily residing in the remote highlands of Yunnan Province, China, near the border with Myanmar. Historically, they are believed to have migrated from Tibet centuries ago, maintaining a distinct language, animist beliefs, and a semi-nomadic lifestyle largely untouched by modernization. Their culture is known for unique traditions such as elaborate silver jewelry, shamanic rituals, and a strong oral history passed down through generations.

Hupingshan Town

Hupingshan Town is located in Shimen County, Hunan Province, China, and is known for its picturesque mountainous landscapes and rich biodiversity. The area is historically significant as part of the Wuling Mountain range, which has been inhabited for centuries by ethnic groups like the Tujia people. Today, it serves as both a conservation area and a destination for eco-tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional rural life and natural beauty.

Shimen County

Shimen County, located in Hunan Province, China, is historically significant as the site of the famous “Shimen Song” (Stone Gate Song), a Tang Dynasty poem by Li Bai that describes a scenic gorge. The county is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient cliff carvings and the Shimen National Forest Park, which features diverse natural landscapes. Today, it remains a region blending historical landmarks with rural charm.

Changde

Changde, located in Hunan Province, China, is a historic city known for its strategic importance along the Yuan River. It was the site of the fierce Battle of Changde in 1943 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where Chinese forces successfully defended the city against Japanese troops. Today, Changde is recognized for its cultural heritage, including the scenic Liuye Lake and the traditional Changde poetry culture.