This summer, many places in China have been ravaged by floods caused by incessant heavy rains, with more than 63 million people affected nationwide.

Faced with the threat of flooding, some have bravely stepped forward to protect people's lives and property.

"Every time a calamity occurs, heroes charge forward. This embodies the great spirit of the Chinese nation," said President Xi Jinping when meeting family members of those who died fighting floods during a visit to a floodwater diversion zone in the Feidong county of Anhui province.

Let's have a look at some of the heroes' stories.

Firefighter takes lead in flood battle

Chen was a veteran firefighter from Lujiang county of Anhui province, which is one of the areas hardest-hit by flooding.

The 36-year-old died following the break of a dyke on July 22 after fighting floods for 96 hours consecutively and transporting more than 2,600 people to safer areas.

"He had strong hands and a firm, sonorous voice," recalled Xie Qixia, a villager who was rescued by Chen. The woman lives near Chaohu Lake, where Chen sacrificed himself in the line of duty.

"He shouted to us 'I go first' when setting out to rescue people, and when the spearhead dinghy encountered a whirlpool, he shouted 'turn around'," recalled Su Qin, the leader of the Blue Sky rescue team of Hefei. He said the shouting saved the lives of more than 10 rescuers.

Chen had been working on the frontline for 15 years and had participated in many rescue missions, sustaining eight injuries when on duty.

In a snow disaster, he almost lost his toes after suffering severe frostbite; in a firefighting mission, his legs got hurt after the blaze burned through his boots.

In the rescue mission in 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake, he searched for and rescued those in need, dragging injured legs and carrying equipment weighing over 30 kilograms.