Beijing and surrounding provinces recently experienced record rainfall, lasting 147 hours and equaling 40% of the annual precipitation. In Miyun County, where rainfall exceeded 300 mm, authorities were forced to evacuate residents.
On the morning of 28/7, after receiving a call from a friend whose relatives were trapped, 35-year-old Wang Tianyu, owner of a construction company, immediately drove his excavator to the village. He was accompanied by his friend, Wang Chong.
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35-year-old Wang Tianyu (gray shirt) and his friend used an excavator to rescue over 100 people during the historic floods in Beijing in late July 2025. Photo: Handout |
35-year-old Wang Tianyu (gray shirt) and his friend used an excavator to rescue over 100 people during the historic floods in Beijing in late July 2025. Photo: Handout
Floodwaters in the village rose to over one meter, forcing many to climb onto rooftops. Wang used the excavator's bucket to transport groups of people to safety. "The most crowded trip carried 10 people, the least two," he said. In total, the two friends rescued over 100 villagers.
Not only did they rescue residents, but they also used the excavator to transport firefighters throughout the flooded areas. When a team of firefighters was blocked by the strong currents, Wang used the excavator's bucket as a temporary shield, giving them time to rescue people.
Fire Captain Zang Hui confirmed the excavator was instrumental in the timely evacuation.
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Wang Tianyu's excavator assisted firefighters in evacuating residents to safety during the historic floods in Beijing in late July 2025. Photo: Handout |
Wang Tianyu's excavator assisted firefighters in evacuating residents to safety during the historic floods in Beijing in late July 2025. Photo: Handout
Working continuously from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wang admitted he was terrified as the excavator nearly succumbed to the floodwaters several times, with water even entering the cabin. After a day battling the currents, the excavator also sustained damage to various parts.
Wang Tianyu's actions have been widely praised, earning him the title "excavator hero." However, he was not alone. His friend reported at least 15 other excavators participated in the rescue efforts.
"These excavator operators are Beijing's 'Band of Brothers'," commented one social media user, referencing the popular television series about camaraderie.
Minh Phuong (Sina, China.com)
