Racing Against the Rain to Reconnect Villages

In the face of relentless downpours, construction teams in Huairou District, Beijing, have been working tirelessly to restore vital roads, ensuring that villagers can return home safely. With the recent release of a red rainstorm warning, the race against time and nature has only intensified.

A Race Against Time

On the morning of August 5th, the sound of excavators echoed across the Baihe Bay in Liumiao Town, where workers were frantically clearing debris and widening the road to accommodate medium-sized buses. This was no ordinary construction project—it was a life-or-death mission to restore access for villagers who had been displaced by the floods.

The road had been temporarily repaired on August 2nd, but the heavy rains had once again turned the surface into a treacherous path of potholes and mud. With a new red rainstorm warning in place, the team had no choice but to push forward under the most challenging conditions.

The construction team, led by Zhu Weichen from China Railway 16th Bureau and the Liumiao Town emergency rescue team, faced a daunting task: repairing three damaged road segments, including one that stretched 583 meters, and building three temporary “pipe bridges” over the river to allow water to flow through while maintaining a stable surface.

Mountainous Challenges and Human Ingenuity

Beyond the river, the team faced another formidable obstacle: the mountainous terrain. In the village of Bocazizi, workers were not only clearing roads but also disinfecting homes, checking electrical systems, and preparing for the return of displaced residents.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this mission was the determination of the workers to reach even the most remote homes. Despite the logistical challenges, the team insisted on extending the road to every household, no matter how small. As one official put it, “If there’s just one family, we still have to go there—because that’s where their home is.”

A Village Reborn

By midday on August 5th, the village of Bocazizi had begun to transform. The once-silent streets were now filled with the sound of engines, the chatter of returning residents, and the hum of construction equipment. Villagers, some of whom had been away for over a week, were finally able to return to their homes, which had been declared safe for reoccupation.

Electricians were dispatched to check every home, ensuring that power was fully restored. Meanwhile, villagers and workers alike were busy clearing debris, disinfecting homes, and preparing for the arrival of the next wave of returning residents.

For the team involved, the greatest reward was seeing the villagers safely return. As one official said, “Until we see the villagers come back, the work isn’t truly done. It’s been ten days of hard work, but it’s all worth it when we see their faces again.”

A Test of Unity and Resolve

This mission is not just about restoring infrastructure—it’s a testament to the resilience of the people involved. From construction workers to electricians, from village officials to volunteers, everyone has played a role in ensuring that the community can be rebuilt and that the villagers can return to normal life.

As the rain continues to fall, the work continues. But for the people of Liumiao Town, the most important task is complete: the road to home has been restored.