Society

Over 2,600 stranded in flood in S China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-07-01 13:54

NANNING - More than 2,600 residents of a low-lying township in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have been left stranded by floods since Thursday, local authorities said Friday.

A flash flood triggered by days of heavy rainfall hit Beigeng township, Xincheng county, at 4 pm Thursday, with water levels rising at a rate of 15 centimeters per hour, said a spokesman with the county's publicity department.

All roads leading to the township have been cut off and rescuers are using boats to try to get to the stranded people, he said.

One hundred and seventy-five people managed to escape before the flood hit the township. Twenty-one houses collapsed after the floodwaters hit the township. No casualties have been reported, according to the spokesman.

Beigeng is currently short on emergency relief supplies like rice, bottled water, instant noodles, tents and blankets, the spokesman said.

The township was previously flooded for five days in June of last year.