Thousands evacuated as new storms hit flood-ravaged S China

A rescuer helps evacuate a local resident in Wancheng county, the worst-hit county in Wanning city, South China's Hainan province, Oct 16, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

HAIKOU - Thousands of residents have been evacuated from flood-ravaged areas in Hainan province, local disaster relief authorities said Saturday.

In Wancheng county, the worst-hit county in Wanning city, southern Hainan province, about 15,700 villagers were isolated by surging floods. Government staff and troops have since been mobilized to help evacuate the flood-stricken villagers.

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Also, more than 1,600 villagers have been evacuated from Wancheng county, and reporters at the scene saw armed police rescuing the trapped villagers and goods in knee-deep waters.

Further, shops and restaurants were forced to shut down in Qionghai city.

"I didn't except the flood would come back today, the floodwater just receded a few days ago and my Internet bar was just reopened yesterday," said Long Xinsheng, an Internet bar manager in Qionghai city.

The floods also swallowed up crops, fields and roads in Jiaji county, Qionghai city.

Devastating floods were reported throughout the province, the local meteorological department said. Also, water on Hainan's two major rivers, Nandu river and Wanquan river, has risen to dangerous levels, and over 500 reservoirs on the island have been threatened by heavy rains.

Also, local weather forecasters said heavy rains are expected to continue for two more days.