China floods: Zhengzhou tries to get back on its feet after heavy rains displace over 1.2 million people
- At least 25 people in Henan were killed by the heaviest rain in decades, including passengers trapped in a rail tunnel amid rising waters
- Authorities mobilise relief efforts while leading business and civil society promise to raise funds to help those afflicted
The Chinese city of Zhengzhou started the slow process of recovery on Wednesday after devastating floods that killed at least 25 people and displaced around 1.24 million.
The heavy rains, which started late last week, caused havoc across Henan province and almost paralysed Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, cutting off electricity and water supplies on Tuesday.
The worst-affected area in the city of around 12.5 million was between Haitansi and Shakoulu stations on Line 5 of the subway, where at least 12 people died when their train was trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters.
One WeChat user named Xiaopei posted a message that read: “The water inside the train is chest-deep. I can no longer speak, please help! SOS.” She was eventually rescued.
The heavy rains also hit other parts of Henan, disrupting rail and other transport links across the province, where many areas are raising their emergency response levels.
