Chinese police have investigated 15 cases of online abuse targeting a female village official who worked on the front line of flood relief in Hunan province, the Ministry of Public Security's cybersecurity bureau announced on Tuesday.

The bureau reported that local cybersecurity police swiftly acted against malicious online attacks and rumor-mongering aimed at the official, imposing administrative penalties on several individuals, including a 44-year-old man surnamed Qin and a 45-year-old man surnamed Wei.

The case involved Xiang Jinyuan, Party chief of Longchihe village in Hupingshan township, Shimen county. In mid-May, the county experienced prolonged heavy rainfall, affecting more than 100,000 residents, with Hupingshan township being one of the hardest-hit areas.

Following the disaster, Xiang worked tirelessly on the front line from May 17, helping evacuate villagers door to door, arranging temporary resettlement, transporting relief supplies, and inspecting unsafe houses. Local reports depicted her with swollen eyes and a hoarse voice as she described the village's losses, drawing sympathy from many internet users.

However, some netizens shifted their focus to a pair of gold-colored earrings she was wearing in a video and began spreading malicious speculation. Unsubstantiated claims suggested the earrings were made of gold and weighed about 100 grams, while others mocked her for wearing jewelry during disaster relief and even suggested she donate the earrings. Negative comments and edited video clips circulated on short-video platforms and in comment sections, leading to online harassment. Some phone calls were also made to the village, disrupting relief efforts.

Initially, Xiang had no time to respond as she continued her post-disaster resettlement work. On May 26, she showed the earrings to reporters and clarified that they were imitation gold alloy accessories purchased online for less than 100 yuan ($14) and were merely ordinary daily decorations.

The cybersecurity bureau stated that police will continue to combat online violence, paid online manipulation, internet rumors, and other prominent online issues. It emphasized that illegal and criminal activities will be punished to protect people's lawful rights and maintain order in cyberspace.