Zeng Xiaofeng, 43, is the Party branch secretary of Wengyuan Village in Quzhou City. In the early morning of July 9, he knocked door-to-door, warning villagers of the flood when he was surprised to find the overwhelming rainstorm in the midnight.

"I heard the loud noise of the water and the crash of rolling stones in the middle of the night." Zeng Xiaofeng got up immediately, put on his raincoat and boots and went out to check the water. Aware that the rainfall might be dangerous, he took photos about the situation and sent it to the WeChat group of township, reported to the higher authorities, and quickly informed the other two village cadres to get up and help to transfer the masses.

At that time, the sound of the rain was too loud for the loudspeaker to work. Besides, as most of the villagers are old people, some do not have mobile phones. Zeng Xiaofeng took the most "stupid" yet the most effective way: knock door to door directly.

"We must keep an eye on the water level. If there is any sign of danger, leave properties behind and evacuate immediately," Zeng told the villagers to pay attention to the water level first.

At 4:20, the rain was still aggressive. The water has reached the doorsill. "Transfer, move!" Zeng Xiaofeng yelled.

Seven or eight minutes later, six people from three families were transferred to the village culture hall. Zeng Xiaofeng's mother, 83-year-old, however, was still waiting at home. Seeing that there was no overflow at his own house, Zeng Xiaofeng gave priority to other villager’s safety.

Along the way, Zeng Xiaofeng's mobile phone kept ringing, but the downpour and sweat prevented him from answering the message.

At 4:35, Zeng Xiaofeng reported to the village authority that presently there were no injuries.

At about 5:00, the rain waned and the water level began to drop when Zeng Xiaofeng rushed back to the central village. By then, more than 40 families along the river in Wengyuan village were safe.

After dawn, Zeng Xiaofeng went home to check his mother’s safety but only to find that their 30-acre kiwi fruit base had soaked in the water.

"I once thought about the base when I got up, but I was a village cadre and a party member with 11 years' Party standing." Zeng Xiaofeng said that he is responsible for the safety of villagers.

On the afternoon of July 9, has been busy all night long, Zeng Xiaofeng finally had the chance to take care of his own house and drain water out of the kiwi base.

(Compiled and translated by Xu Yuhong)