More than 100,000 people line the streets of Jiuchao Village, Liping county, Guizhou, to pay their respects to late Party chief Liu Shanping, on June 20. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 100,000 people lined the streets of Jiuchao Village on June 20, to pay their respects to late Party chief Liu Shanping, who lost his life in rescue efforts to save two villagers caught in the recent heavy floods.

The village, located in Liping county, Guizhou province, suffered flash flooding on June 10, after a violent downpour which damaged households and took out power and communications.

Liu was personally involved in the rescue efforts, and came to the aid of a father and daughter trapped by rising floodwater, with all three sadly being swept away by the raging torrent.

Liu's remains were not found until June 18. Residents were so touched by Liu's heroic efforts they gathered to say farewell to their local leader for one last time.

Liu held the position of Party chief of Jiuchao village for nine years, giving his all in his civic duty, and will be remembered fondly by the local community.

Liu Shanping’s certificates of honor received during his nine-year term as Party chief in Jiuchao village. [Photo by Lu Shuming]