Society

2 dead, 2 missing after tidal surge on river

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-11 20:50

HANGZHOU -- Two people drowned and two are still missing after a tidal wave washed the four into a river in east China's Zhejiang Province Sunday.

The bodies of Zhong Zuming, 37, and Zhao Sunting, 5, were recovered from the Qiantang River near Haining city, according to a statement released Monday by local authorities in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou city, the provincial capital.

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Zhong's daughter, 10-year-old Zhong Xinyi, and Sun Lei, 35, are still missing.

Authorities have mobilized more than 1,000 rescuers and 34 boats to search for the missing.

The tragedy occurred at around 2 pm Sunday when six of eight people walking along a levee on the Qiantang River were swept away by a tidal wave. Two were rescued by fishing boats.

The levee on the river mouth is known for its huge tides, which reach as high as 3.5 meters (11.5 feet).

Although dangerous, the phenomenon attracts onlookers.

In 2007, 11 died after being swept away. In 1993, the tides claimed 19 lives and left 40 missing.

Officials said Sunday's tragedy occurred at a part of the levee that is not a traditional sight-seeing spot, and so it remains unknown whether the victims, all locals, were watching the tides.