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  • Category: News

Starting on May 17, 2026, Shimen County in Hunan Province was struck by an extreme heavy rainfall event, marking the first severe storm of the year for the region. The intense rain caused widespread flooding, leading to significant casualties and a large-scale emergency response.

🌧️ The Rainfall Event

The rainfall, which began on the morning of May 17, was notable for its intensity and duration. Over a 24-hour period, the county recorded 339.2 millimeters of precipitation, with the area of Hupingshan Town alone receiving 240.6 millimeters in just six hours during the early morning of May 18. This figure broke the local historical record for maximum rainfall. This extreme weather resulted in rapidly rising water levels and widespread devastation.

📊 Casualties and Impact

The disaster has taken a heavy toll on local communities. According to an official statement from the Shimen County Emergency and Production Safety Committee on May 20, the human and material costs are substantial:

  • Fatalities and Missing: The confirmed death toll has risen to 5 people, with 11 others still missing.
  • Affected Population: Over 103,000 residents across 23 townships have been affected by the disaster.
  • Displacement and Infrastructure: More than 18,000 people were urgently relocated to safety. The flooding caused bridges to collapse, roads to be destroyed, and left many mountainous villages without power or communication services.

🚨 Rescue and Emergency Response

A multi-pronged emergency response was launched immediately. The county government mobilized resources for search and rescue, infrastructure repair, and victim relief.

  • Government and Military Action: The Changde city government activated a Level IV natural disaster relief response, while local authorities in Shimen initiated a higher Level II flood control response. The local People's Armed Forces deployed militia units for rescue operations and to assist with the distribution of relief supplies.
  • "Shimen Speed" Rescue Efforts: A massive operation to restore vital connections began. Workers built a temporary passage in just 90 minutes to reopen the main road to the heavily affected Hupingshan Town, which had been blocked by a bridge collapse. Repair crews from power and telecommunication companies worked tirelessly to restore electricity and communication lines in remote areas.
  • Widespread Support: By May 19, the county had set up 22 temporary shelters and dispatched 31 vehicles with essential supplies, including drinking water, food, and blankets, to affected areas. An emergency hotline was also published for residents needing assistance.