Hebei Villagers Protest Designation as Flood Diversion Zone, Sparking Conflict with Authorities

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, 14th) Today, Hong Kong's Ming Pao reported that villagers in several villages in Sanhe City, Hebei Province, China, held a protest gathering on the evening of the 12th in opposition to the authorities' decision to designate their villages as 'flood diversion zones.' The protest escalated into a temporary clash with government staff.

According to the report, online videos show residents from Huangzhuang Town and Hougezhuang Village in Sanhe City gathering near local embankments, opposing the authorities' plan to use excavators to dig open river channels and divert floodwaters into their villages.

During the incident, voices were heard saying, 'The elders of Hougezhuang lifted the excavator,' and a brief conflict broke out between villagers and government personnel. Police officers were present at the scene for security.

The report notes that multiple areas in Hebei have previously been designated as flood diversion zones 'to protect the capital.' In August 2023, heavy rainfall hit Beijing and Tianjin. To ensure Beijing's safety, Hebei activated seven flood retention areas, resulting in widespread flooding in Bazhou City, Hebei. The diversion caused severe damage, with houses collapsing and tens of thousands displaced, sparking strong public resentment.

According to online sources, the reason Bazhou villagers expressed intense anger and engaged in physical confrontations with police in August 2023 was because state media initially claimed the flooding was due to rainfall. After the incident, the Bazhou government issued a public letter admitting that the flood diversion caused the disaster and promised compensation. (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150714