‘Mud Buddha’: China official covered in sludge during mudslide while helping villagers evacuate

A valiant official in China has been dubbed “Mud Buddha” after a photograph emerged of him covered in sludge while he was averting disaster by evacuating residents before a catastrophic Landslide.From the evening of May 17 to the early morning of May 18, a downpour hit Shanghongyan Village in Maguan county, southwestern Yunnan province.At its height, the level of precipitation reached 256mm, the People’s Daily reported.Tian Ruliang, the village director, left home three times after 10pm on May 17 to check the rainfall situation.The above image shows the extent of the damage caused to the village by the floods. Photo: QQ.comAt 3am on May 18, the water in a local river rose to dangerous levels.“At that moment, I thought some mountain had collapsed. The flood risk had increased,” Tian was quoted as saying.Tian immediately decided to wake everyone in the village and evacuate them to a safe place.Surveillance footage shows him walking alone on the road to alert villagers home by home.Muddy floodwater, above, was still flowing after the heavy rains stopped. Photo: QQ.comHolding an umbrella and an electric torch, Tian used a loud hailer to send out the message, saying: “The rainfall is too big. Wake up quickly and go to a safe place.”When Tian neared the corner of a road, he was swept away by floodwater.He survived by holding on to a big tree, Tian recalled.Minutes later, as the water flow and level decreased, Tian clambered to safety.The above aerial photograph shows how the Landslide swept through the village. Photo: QQ.com“I knew there was a danger, but I must walk on to urge villagers to leave. I must transfer all of them out,” said Tian.Further ReadingNot caring about being completely covered with mud and injured, Tian continued to knock on the doors of his villagers.The viral photograph was just taken when Tian arrived at one villager’s doorstep.About two hours later, thanks to Tian and other volunteer efforts, all 60 villagers from 21 households were evacuated safely.When the last resident was safe, a section of a mountain measuring 10,000 cubic metres collapsed, covering half of the village.It took Tian and other villagers a week to clear debris left by the flood.Emergency workers clear piles of sludge from an inundated home. Photo: QQ.com“Director Tian ignored his own safety to save us. We should learn from him and work hard together to rebuild our home,” villager Lu Anjin was quoted as saying.The story triggered an outpouring of praise for Tian online.“You are a Mud Buddha, protecting the 60 lives in your village. Hats off to you, an ordinary hero,” said one internet user.While another person said: “Although you were dirty because of the mud, I think you are the most handsome rural cadre.”