Relief efforts underway in flood-hit county

Rebuilding begins after water levels recede in Rongjiang, Guizhou province

Fresh floodwaters swept through Rongjiang county in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday afternoon, just days after Tuesday's deluge, but by 10 am on Sunday, authorities had ended the highest-level flood control response, and clearing and rebuilding efforts had begun.

At 11 am on Saturday, the county's flood control office had ordered residents in seven major flood zones to evacuate immediately, and it announced designated escape routes, sending rescue teams to conduct door-to-door checks. About an hour later, the office upgraded the response to its highest level.

Aerial photographs taken around 5 pm showed water inundating multiple areas of the county.