Xincity Township Government Cares for Deng, the Construction Site Foreman, Who Was Swept Away by Floodwaters and Rescued

Central News Agency reporter Li Xianfeng, Hualien, June 14th) In early June, the Mata'an Stream experienced a sudden surge in water levels due to heavy rainfall, sweeping away Deng, a construction site foreman, along with his vehicle. After 15 hours, he was rescued, and his harrowing survival story was revealed. Deng, who resides in Xincity Township, was recently discharged from the hospital and is now resting at home. Township Mayor He Lita expressed concern and assisted with emergency relief arrangements.

The Xincity Township Office stated that upon learning of the incident, they discovered that Deng was a resident of Shunan Village. Mayor He Lita immediately expressed his concern and, during Deng's hospitalization, frequently contacted him by phone to inquire about his injuries and recovery. He also instructed the Social Affairs Department to handle the emergency relief arrangements. After Deng was discharged and returned home to rest, the township office's Social Affairs Department extended their care to his home, helping to alleviate his medical and living expenses.

The 60-year-old Deng currently lives alone and works as a construction site foreman to make a living. His family's sole source of income is just enough to cover daily living expenses. His son, due to work, has been living in another county for a long time. This accident resulted in deep lacerations all over his body. After being hospitalized, he underwent three debridement surgeries. He will still need continuous medical care and rehabilitation, and he will not be able to return to work in the short term. As a result, his income has been interrupted, and with increased medical and living expenses, his family is facing immense financial pressure.

Today, the Xincity Township Office visited Deng's home. Social Affairs Director Li Lijuan, on behalf of the township mayor, presented the emergency relief fund. Xincity Township Representative Assembly Vice Chairman Zhang Meihua, Shunan Village Chief Huang Zhongxiang, and others accompanied them to express the blessings and support of the local community.

Recalling the heart-pounding experience, Mr. Deng said that when the sudden surge of water came, his first thought was to immediately jump out of the car to escape. When the floodwater violently hit the vehicle, he did not have time to pull his hand back and was accidentally injured by the car door, but he was fortunate to have left the car body in time. What followed was a rolling flood and a large amount of soil and stones. Countless stones kept hitting his entire body, and he could only endure the intense pain and strive to keep his head above water to breathe. He was washed away by two waves of floodwater for about 9 kilometers, passing under the Mata'an Convenience Bridge, and finally became stranded in the river channel, with his lower body deeply embedded in the silt.

He struggled to stay awake and continued to shout for help. Finally, after about 15 hours, he was rescued. Reflecting on the entire process, he admitted that although there is still a long road of treatment and rehabilitation ahead, he is really fortunate to be able to come back alive.

Shunan Village Chief Huang Zhongxiang said that seeing Mr. Deng safely discharged and back home to rest made everyone very moved. The villagers all call him the "survival hero," and many neighbors have voluntarily come to visit and inquire about his recovery, fully demonstrating the warmth of community mutual aid and love. They also hope that Mr. Deng can recover soon and return to normal life.

He Lita said that in the face of sudden disasters, Mr. Deng demonstrated astonishing willpower and resilience for survival, which is admirable. He also thanked all the police, firefighters, and relevant units involved in the search and rescue operations for successfully rescuing Mr. Deng. The township office, adhering to the spirit of "immediate care in times of emergency," provided necessary assistance at the first moment. In addition to the emergency condolence money, it will continue to care about his subsequent life and recovery, assist in connecting relevant social welfare resources, and accompany him through this difficult period.