A township official died after suffering a heart attack while carrying out flood-control work during Typhoon Bavi in Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Wang Tianhe, 46, deputy head of Huangshatuo township in Anshan, had been working around the clock for several days to protect residents and respond to rising flood risks caused by torrential rainfall. He passed away from a heart condition on July 17.

Wang Tianhe (left), deputy head of Huangshatuo township, checks a drainage station during the floods.

After days of heavy rainfall, water levels in the nearby Hunhe River continued to rise, causing embankment seepage and flooding across large areas of farmland.

Wang kept a constant watch on the changing water levels.

Between July 13 to 16, Wang averaged less than three hours of sleep a day. During that time he drove through the rainy night to inspect hazardous sections along the Hunhe River, drainage canals and pump stations across local villages.

Wang was not only responsible for coordinating flood-control operations, but also worked alongside emergency workers carrying sandbags, clearing drainage channels and repairing pumps.

He also inspected six drainage stations in a seven-hour stretch to maintain 33 flood-control pumps. Working late into the night, he analyzed water-level data, coordinated emergency supplies and visited relocated residents to ensure they had adequate food and accommodation.

After receiving tips through the 12345 government service hotline, Wang immediately organized efforts to clear blocked drainage channels and drain flooded farmland. During the flood season, he took the lead in handling eight emergency incidents, including piping and riverbank erosion.

Wang Tianhe (center) and his colleagues respond to an emergency at night.

Wang had devoted nearly three decades to grassroots service. His work took him across farmland, rivers, lakes and embankments, where he contributed to water conservancy projects, environmental improvement and farmland irrigation.

Quiet and humble in daily life, Wang was known for stepping forward during times of crisis. His dedication during the floods will be remembered by the communities he served.

(Compiled by Gao Xin and Ge Weiqin; Edited by He Jieqiong)