In July 1996, when a similar breach happened in Tuanzhou, the embankment did not hold, so Qiannan was also flooded.

"It is our responsibility to make sure history does not repeat itself," Min said.

"We feel safe seeing all those rescuers working tirelessly to help and protect us, and we need to also do our part."

All 7,680 people living in Tuanzhou have been transferred to safe places, with around 4,000 of them resettled at five schools in the county, while the rest sought help from friends and family.

Zeng Yuanxiu, 85, said she probably would not have made it without the assistance of neighbors and rescuers, who helped her to transfer to safety.

She and her late husband were among the first batch of residents in Tuanzhou when the township was set up in 1977.

"I was horrified because we had a dike breach in 1996, and as I was too old to help myself," she said. "I had to rely on others."

Zeng Yuanxiu has been transferred to a vocational school, where volunteers have offered daily necessities and extensive care.

"I have strong feelings for Tuanzhou and I want to go back when the floodwater recedes," she said.