Efforts to deliver emergency rations and relocate residents are continuing at a brisk pace, as torrential downpours lash Zixing City in central China's Hunan Province have triggered floods and led to power and telecommunications outages in mountainous regions.
Zixing City has been experiencing a record rainfall since last Friday due to the impact of Typhoon Gaemi, with 14 roads interrupted.
The Department of Emergency Management of Hunan Province dispatched four helicopters to transport relief supplies and transfer trapped injured residents.
By Tuesday afternoon, more than 130 flights had been completed by four helicopters, with over 30 tons of emergency supplies, such as rice, flour, cooking oil and quilts, delivered to flood-isolated villages, which can enable the daily living needs of 15,000 people for two days.
In addition to transport supplies to 33 villages in four towns, helicopters are also used to transfer the injured, with medical workers, stretchers and ambulances standing by at the temporary distributing center of supplies.
At present, 47 injured residents have been transferred by air.
When flying to the flood-isolated areas, helicopters have also carried more than 100 personnel including rescuers, firefighters and medical staff in batches, as part of the efforts to resume the normal production and living order of affected residents in the flood-hit villages as soon as possible.
As of 17:00 on Saturday, the average precipitation of Bamianshan Town in Zixing City had reached 498 millimeters. And the rain stopped basically on Sunday.
Torrential rains have not only damaged roads and washed away bridges, but also caused power and internet outages in the township nestled deep within mountains. And multiple rescue units consist of firefighters, armed police and volunteers had to walk into the disaster-hit areas.
As of Tuesday morning, 15 rescue units, with about 10 members in each, hiked through flooded areas to enter the 15 flood-isolated villages in Bamianshan as roads leading to the villages were severely damaged.
Currently, more than 200 residents have been relocated, with all of them well supplied. So far, 17 injured people in urgent need of medical treatment have been transferred and sent to hospitals.
Emergency rescue underway in flood-hit villages of Hunan Province
A promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala has gained widespread attention in Guatemala, Honduras, and Pakistan, offering locals a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and generating excitement for the event's upcoming live virtual broadcast.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual tradition since 1983, airing live on Chinese New Year's Eve.
In Guatemala, the promo video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala began airing on Sunday at major shopping centers across the capital, Guatemala City. This marks the second consecutive year that the promo has been showcased in the country.
Displayed on large screens both indoors and outdoors, the video captured the attention of shoppers and passersby in busy commercial districts, sparking interest in Chinese culture.
"I think it's great that technology is being used to help us learn more about China through social media," said David Aguilar, a resident. "For those of us interested in Chinese culture, no matter how far away we are, we always seek to stay connected to this rich cultural heritage, especially the traditions that have been passed down through history."
Fabian Lopez, another resident, expressed his excitement about the program: "Through the promos, I've learned how the celebration takes place. The culture is fascinating, and it's wonderful that we can connect via the internet to watch the entire celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and will be sure not to miss any of the broadcast. This year marks the Year of the Snake, if I'm not mistaken, and as for me, I was born in the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac."
The video has captured the attention of many who have never watched the program before, with many now eagerly looking forward to the live virtual broadcast of the Gala.
"Honestly, I've never watched the Spring Festival Gala before, but after seeing the promos, it looks absolutely beautiful. It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through the arts, dance, and even elements of comedy and magic. I think it's wonderful that they share their history through such a spectacular show," shared Alejandro Calderon, another local resident.
David Gallo, another resident, remarked on the impact of cultural exchange: "It's truly impressive to arrive in Guatemala and connect with Chinese culture through the promotional videos. It's a gratifying experience that offers us a fresh perspective on the world from Latin America."
Meanwhile, in neighboring Honduras, the promotional video has been playing continuously in major commercial districts and transportation hubs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula since Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year it has been displayed in the country.
"My best wishes to China. I hope you have a wonderful year, continue to unite forces, and keep your beautiful culture alive. A big hug," said Yani Paola Gonzalez, a Honduran citizen.
Fellow Honduran Deyanira Romero offered her new year's wishes to the Chinese people: "I wish the people of China a happy new year, filled with love, prosperity, and peace."
In Pakistan, the promotional video has also been featured at several events celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association, along with other local organizations, hosted the China-Pakistan Children's Spring Festival Gala in Islamabad, where the video was shown. The event also celebrated the successful UNESCO heritage listing of the Spring Festival, with hopes for a new chapter in China-Pakistan relations.
"This year, China's Spring Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, turning it into a global celebration. We hope that events like this will help more Pakistani people, especially children, learn about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions," said Ma Bin, president of the Pakistan Chinese Education Association and organizer of the children's gala.
In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also displayed at the entrance to the country's only light rail, the Orange Line Metro, attracting passengers to pause and watch.
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan