Rainstorm unleashes record-breaking downpour in Hunan

Since Sunday, a torrential rainstorm has battered Changde, a city in Central China's Hunan province, with hourly rainfall reaching a provincial record in one county, according to local authorities.

Monitoring results indicated that the downpour caused historic flooding along the Xieshui River. Hupingshan town in Shimen county recorded a daily rainfall of 342 millimeters, while Lixian county's Fuxing town reached as high as 382 mm, a local record. Fuxing recorded 146 mm of rainfall between midnight and 1 am on Monday, a provincial record for hourly precipitation.

In response, Shimen county has activated a Level 3 flood control emergency response and evacuated more than 15,000 people. Lixian county has activated a Level 4 response and relocated 130 residents. The fire and rescue mobile unit from the provincial capital, Changsha, has deployed 100 personnel with flood control equipment and inflatable rafts to Shimen to assist with relief operations.

On Monday morning, local traffic authorities imposed temporary road closures in Shimen due to flooding, slope collapses, and falling rocks, according to the county's public security department. Intercity bus services have been suspended, and police have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Those who must drive are urged to reduce speed, steer clear of flooded areas, underpasses, and low-lying zones, and remain vigilant for landslides and falling rocks in mountainous sections. Drivers should obey instructions from officers at controlled road sections.

According to the latest weather forecast, the storm is expected to weaken by Monday evening and move southward, bringing rainstorms to cities including Changde, Huaihua, and Yiyang.