Liu Xiaopeng, a firefighter, uses ropes to rescue a stranded child with the help of comrade in Dawu county, Hubei province, on Friday. [Photo by Wang Jida/China Daily]

Firefighter with rope is guardian angel

Xinzhai village in Dawu county was flooded by waters up to 2 meters deep on Friday.

More than 100 local residents from about 40 families were trapped, including a 3-year-old boy.

Firefighters undertook a rescue quickly. A series of photos by Chutian Metropolis Daily showed a firefighter named Liu Xiaopeng almost being washed away by the strong current during rescue efforts.

After fixing a safety rope to himself, Liu jumped into the water to cross the swelling river, which was as wide as 80 meters in places, and reached the stranded people. After attaching the rope to the far side, he began to make his way back carrying the boy.

Liu grasped the rope and dragged himself across the torrent while holding the child high. Liu was able to rescue six residents.