Hero China son swept away and killed by raging floodwater after saving mother

Rainfall reached 158.5mm within 12 hours, and about 27,000 people in the county were affected, including 4,000 residents who were evacuated, Jimu News reported.

A woman was trapped in a pigpen by the flood when she was feeding the family’s pigs. Realising his mother’s plight, the man, surnamed Xiang, swam to her. He pulled her away and helped her up onto the roof of a neighbour’s home.

As he attempted to swim back to his own home, he was dragged away by the powerful current, his mother said.

The next day, Xiang’s body was found in a river about four kilometres away. He had a 15-year-old daughter.

According to Xiang’s mother, she did not notice anything unusual when she went to the pig sty and started to feed the animals. Then suddenly, she heard a rumbling sound as the flood arrived, and the water level rose to her waist in less than a minute.

“My son had intended to swim back home in an oblique line, but did not make it because the water flow was too fast,” she said.

A neighbour who saw the son engulfed by the water said, Xiang was a strong swimmer and fit.

“But his swimming speed could not beat that of the water. He tried to swim towards a house about 50 metres away, but he failed and was finally pushed to the river about 100 metres away,” said the neighbour.

A village official said the water level was more than two metres high during the heavy rains on June 20. Many houses collapsed due to the weight of the water.

Xiang’s story has touched millions on social media in mainland China, with many applauding his filial piety.

“I’ve seen many stories of mothers saving sons. It’s the first time I saw a report that a son saved his mother. Well done. You are definitely a hero and a martyr,” said one online observer on Weibo.

“Mother gave you a life while you sacrificed your life to protect her. You have exhibited what filial piety is. Rest in peace,” another person wrote.

“His mother will be extremely grieved. As a mother, I would prefer it if my son did not swim to save me. I would rather he lived instead of me,” another commented.