Thirty militiawomen with an average age of 45 are among those fighting against the floods at a port in Honghu City, Central China's Hubei Province. 

After the city launched the flood control emergency response in early July, 30 militiawomen from Yangzui Village in Honghu were selected to form a flood-relief team out of 60 who had registered to join the flood control on the front line.

The team members took intense action in filling sandbags to reinforce the dike of a lake. They shoveled mounds of dirt in the village from morning till sundown, and transported the sandbags to the dike.

As the village only has nearly 100 male villagers, the militiawomen, the elderly people and children have made all-out efforts in flood control. Thousands of sandbags have been piled up along the dike to protect the locals.

Some of the team members had migrated to other areas for work before they returned to join the disaster relief work. They rushed to their hometown immediately upon learning of the severe flood situation.

"Many members of my family have served as soldiers. Under their influence, I regard fighting floods as a responsibility," said Xie Jiying, one of the returnees.

Inspired by the team members, many elderly people and children in the village took the initiative to join the anti-flood operations. A 75-year-old woman who has experienced four big floods came to the scene every day to lend a helping hand.

Zhao Sigu, a 46-year-old woman, suffers from cancer. Despite her weak physical state, she insisted on helping pack bags and patrolling the dike. 

"Everyone contributes to the flood control, and I hope to do my part," she said.

(Source: CCTV/Translated and edited by Women of China)