The Yangtze River’s mid and lower reaches have been swollen by heavy rain, especially in Wuhan, where 160 millimeters fell in 24 hours.
A low-lying residential neighorhood in Wuhan’s Huangpi district has been flooded, with pathways between the buildings more like fast-flowing rivers. Basements have been completely submerged.
Fire-fighters face chest-deep water as they try to rescue people.
Most of the stores in Baixiu Street, a business street in Wuhan, have been closed due to the high water levels.
"The floor and furniture are soaked. We try our best to ladle out the water, but more and more keeps coming in. We have no idea what to do."
The Center for Disease Control in Huangpi lies in the low-lying area, and the outpatient lobby on the first floor is flooded.
Dr Mei Jianyong, Huangpi Center for Disease Control, said, "We cannot work here. it’s too dangerous. The electricity has been cut. There are a lot of electric wires underground. We are having to transfer our patients to another hospital."
Meanwhile, Guizhou province has also been hit by heavy rain, trapping many residents. Villagers in Changle in Anshun District, have to use home-made canoes to get in and out.
So far, all the 49 families have been moved to safety. Local governments have distributed relief materials.