Storms damaged part of the track of Nanjing’s No.2 metro line, creating chaos at around 3pm on 22 August, according to China News Service. The heavy rainfall increased the underground water level so rapidly that around 20 metres of track were pushed up by 10cm. Train services were halted and there were no casualties, but hundreds of travellers were trapped in carriages underground for several hours.

Repair work is complicated and may take some time to complete, officials said. Replacement coaches are currently being used to transport passengers in the area.