The Ministry of Water Resources has sent an expert team to offer technical support to local teams.

Li Heng, leader of the expert team, said the most important work is to reinforce the embankment, which separates the flooded township from other areas. All 7,680 residents of the township have been evacuated and resettled, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries, she said.

Zhu Dongtie, head of Hunan's Department of Water Resources, said they need to drain about 200 million cubic meters of water and plan to use pumping equipment as soon as the breach is repaired.

A total of 3,224 residents have been resettled at four schools in Huarong county.

Xiao Juxiang, 68, said she and her husband left their home after hearing an evacuation announcement on the village radio.

"The atmosphere was very intense and I was very nervous," she said, emphasizing that she felt reassured after seeing People's Armed Police Force personnel join the rescue efforts.

The troops transferred all villagers to safe locations and gave them water and food, Xiao said, adding, "You could see how tired they were. It is no mean task to evacuate so many people."

Xinhua contributed to the story.

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn