When a couple in northern China became trapped in floodwaters, and as rescuers approached, the husband insisted that they save his wife first, moving mainland internet users.
Heavy rains wrecked northern parts of China at the end of July.
In Beijing, at least 30 people were killed after a year’s worth of rain fell in less than a week.
While in neighbouring Hebei province, a mudslide hit a village, leading to the death of eight locals. Another four are missing.
Jizhou District, in the northern part of Tianjin municipality, recorded the biggest mudslide in the past seven decades after receiving as much as 200mm of rain between July 28 and 29.
More than 10,000 residents were relocated, the Beijing News reported.
Floodwater inundated the streets of the district, with the water level rising to one metre or above.
One couple were trapped in their small eatery on July 28, awaiting rescue.
Firefighters walked towards their shop and threw a life ring to them.
“Save my wife first. She cannot swim,” the husband told the rescuers.
He put his wife in the life ring before pushing her towards the rescuers.
However, the rushing water moved them further away and hindered the rescue effort.
After the wife was collected by the rescuers, the husband, who was standing metres away, said: “I am fine. I can swim. You just take her to safety first.”
“No, you should also come here,” the rescuers urged him.
Finally, both of them were taken to safety.
“At that time, we were extremely frightened. This is the most dangerous situation we have been in since we got married more than 10 years ago,” the husband, surnamed Liu, said in the report.
“My wife cried because she could not swim. As a man, the first thing that came to my mind was to save my wife first,” he said.
“Thanks very much to the firefighters for saving us,” Liu added.
A video of the rescue has trended on mainland social media, attracting huge admiration for the husband.
“Critical moments put human nature under scrutiny. Sister, you have chosen a good husband!” one person said.
“I have come to believe in love again,” said another.
While a third person added: “He has set an example as a responsible man.” -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
