More than 1 000 rescued as Yichang records heaviest rainfall in 20 years, China

Up to 140 mm (5.5 inches) of rain was recorded in Yichang City in Hubei, China, on June 27, 2020– the city's biggest daily rainfall in 20 years. The downpour led to widespread flooding, leaving many cars stranded on roadways and prompting firefighters to rescue more than 1 000 residents.

The city was battered by torrential rain for three hours on the last day of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

According to the China Global Television Network (CGTN), the city recorded its heaviest rainfall in 20 years, with the maximum approaching 140 mm (5.5 inches).

The rains also led to widespread flooding, leaving many motorists stranded in roadways and streets. A traffic police had to break a car window to rescue a woman trapped inside.

Local authorities have issued Level 4 emergency response orders.

Local firefighters were deployed to the affected areas immediately after the rain started to hit the city in the morning.

The disaster response team, including 410 firemen and 69 vehicles, rescued 425 trapped residents and displaced 636 others by Saturday evening. 

Some of the flooded places were in mountainous rural areas and had become inaccessible to vehicles, so the rescue team had to walk for half an hour with heavy equipment and relocate affected villagers with ropes. 

CGTN added that the city will see less rainfall over the next two days.

On June 25, Beijing was lashed by a severe hailstorm during the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival. 

Featured image credit: CGTN/YouTube