Floods of humanity: China rescuers inundate social media with selfless acts in deluged city, touching millions online
- Putting children first, saving man’s best friend and helping a hapless pig, emergency crews show their mettle in wake of floods
- After days of strenuous work in flood-hit city, residents bid rescue teams fond farewell by lining streets as they depart
While the devastating floods which have ravaged Zhuozhou in Hebei province in northern China due to Typhoon Doksuri have caused more than their fair share of heartache, they have also illustrated the best of human nature.
Shangyou News reported on August 6 that biblical-scale flooding has affected about 2.22 million people in the city, forcing the evacuation of one in six residents.
In response, more than 150 civilian rescue groups from across the country came to the aid of flood victims. This reaction – and the tales of heroism it entailed – has inspired millions of people on mainland social media.
Children first
Rescue workers who prioritised women and children touched many online.
Video footage showed a male rescue worker in a life jacket holding a 40-day-old infant, while next to him was the baby’s mother carrying two big bags.
“Those with children first,” a voice repeatedly called out.
As soon as the rescue worker and the mother and child reached safety, a couple gave up their seats for them.
