New homes replace flood-damaged ones in Hebei

Zhuozhou, a county-level city under Baoding, Hebei province, is buzzing at multiple construction sites where new houses are being built after the city was hit by severe flooding during this year's flood season.

In late July and early August, heavy rains in North China and in the Yellow and Huaihe river valleys brought floods and geological disasters, resulting in heavy damage in Beijing, Hebei and other places. Zhuozhou was among the places hardest hit.

In Wanquanzhuang village of Diaowo town, located in a flood detention and storage area, residents and construction workers worked tirelessly on Sunday, mixing mortar and laying bricks reinforced by steel bars.

According to the local government, more than 54,000 rural households were damaged by the flooding, some more than others. At present, housing repairs and reinforcement have been basically completed.

"In about half a month, my new house will be topped off," said resident Fu Jijun, 53.

The city has also taken measures to repair heating facilities in urban and rural areas and has begun delivering heat services ahead of schedule, ensuring that residents have warm homes during the winter.

Meanwhile, the city's finance department has purchased 60,000 quilts and 1,000 electric heaters to serve people in need.