(July 8, 1958)
Comrade Peng Zhen, please review.
A reservoir in Henan has been destroyed by torrential rains, which warrants attention.
Mao Zedong
July 8
Chuan


These two notes were written on Issue No. 2521 of the Xinhua News Agency’s “Internal Reference,” compiled and printed on July 4, 1958. Specifically:
2. The other was written beside the Xinhua News Agency’s Zhengzhou dispatch dated June 2, titled “Torrential Rains Cause Disasters in Parts of Henan,” which appeared in that issue of “Internal Reference.” According to the Xinhua report:
From June 27 to 30, torrential rains struck several areas in Henan Province. The heaviest rainfall was concentrated in the upper reaches of the Sha River—specifically in Baofeng County, Shixian County, and Yexian County—as well as in the Zhenping area within the Baihe River basin. Due to the intense and concentrated downpour, with extremely high water levels, severe damage ensued. In Pingdingshan City, 16 reservoirs, 35 ponds, and 81 embankments were breached. In Bang County, the earth dam of the Shanshui Reservoir in Likou Township was washed away, allowing floodwaters to inundate Zhangdian Village. In Baofeng County, 35 out of 42 small reservoirs in Daiji Township were destroyed. In Yexian County, two medium-sized reservoirs and three small reservoirs were swept away. In Qishi County, five reservoirs were destroyed. In Zhenping County, seven irrigation canals, one intake gate, 15 river-blocking dams, and six small reservoirs were damaged. Following the disaster, local Party and government leaders immediately led cadres in rescue efforts. The floodwaters have now largely receded, and work is proceeding to address the aftermath in all affected areas.
[2]

--- Notes



1. One note was inscribed on the cover of Issue No. 2521 of “Internal Reference”;



Peng Zhen was at the time a secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.


Numerous small and medium-sized reservoirs were destroyed.