Lin Xinhua, in khaki trousers, makes his way to evacuate elderly people in Qishan village, Yongtai county, Fuzhou city, East China's Fujian province, on July 9, 2016. [Photo from Sina Weibo]

Village official wins respect with his heroic deed

A village official from East China's Fujian province set an example of how to serve people wholeheartedly.

Lin Xinhua, 62, lost his life on his way to rescue other villagers in typhoon-hit Qishan village, Yongtai county, Fuzhou city, East China's Fujian province, on July 9, 2016.

Lin was the village secretary. Dozens of villagers cast aside the danger to find his body after learning Lin was washed away by mud and rock flows. More than 300 locals went to pay silent tribute to Lin, crying: "Don't leave us alone, our respectable village secretary."

Before being washed away by the mud and rock flows, Lin received a call from his wife, He Lihua, who told him that their home was flooded. In reply, Lin said that he was sorry he couldn't go home yet because he had to evacuate many senior citizens in the village.

At that moment, Lin was on his way to relocate typhoon victims to the next village. He had already helped move more than 20 residents to a safe place.

However, Lin lost his life. A final photo shows him walking down a flooded road to help more people.

Later, in Lin's notebook, a note was found that said family affairs are as important as village affairs.

What Lin did impressed Chinese netizens, and many of them said: "He left, but many people survived. Or in fact, he remains forever deep in the hearts of locals."