China: Rescuers race to seal levee breach in central China's Henan.

Rescuers raced Friday to seal a levee breach on the east bank of the Jialu River in Zhoukou, central China's Henan Province, after upstream flooding and backflow from the Shaying River triggered the collapse. The breach, a break in the river embankment that lets floodwater escape, expanded rapidly as water flow intensified. Authorities from the Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched 200 rescue workers from China Anneng Group, along with 110 pieces of heavy machinery, including amphibious excavators, loaders, and pontoon bridges, to seal the gap. After an overnight operation, more than 70 meters of the breach have been filled. Rescuers worked from both ends of the breach simultaneously, reinforcing the base with containers and filling the center with rocks. To overcome narrow embankment roads that blocked heavy trucks, they built five passing bays overnight to keep supplies moving. Traffic control was tightened along a four‑kilometer stretch, with personnel stationed to coordinate vehicle flow and ensure a steady supply of materials. Rescuers are currently working in rotating shifts, with heavy machinery running around the clock. Multiple teams are coordinating closely to speed up the final closure of the breach. Shotlist: Zhoukou City, Henan Province, central China - Aug 14-15, 2026: 1. Various of breached levee; boulders being removed to river; rescuers, heavy machinery working. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]