Heavy rains in southern China kill at least 31

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-11-2007 10:55

Chinese policemen inspect a flooded bar street after heavy rain in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, June 10, 2007. Some 20 bars and restaurants at a low-lying street were submerged by flood, and no injuries were reported. [Imagechina]

Torrential rains have drenched much of southern China, leaving 31 people dead and tens of thousands homeless. Guangdong province has suffered the highest death toll, with 14 people dead so far.

Heavy rains have been pouring down for days in southern China. Thousands of buildings are damaged, farmlands have been flooded, and at least 31 people have been killed as a result.

In Guangdong province alone, floods and landslides have killed 14 people, with 20,000 others left homeless. The powerful rain also caused a number of cave-ins on a rail line in the region. More than one thousand passengers were affected.

In Hunan, the downpour continues to wreak havoc on southern areas. The rainfall in some areas exceeded 14 centimeters within two hours. Across the province, millions of residents have been affected. The situation is dire in many areas.

In Guangxi, 13 people were killed and 170,000 more have been affected. The local weather bureau continues to issue rainstorm alerts. The amount of rain in the cities of Guilin and Liuzhou has exceeded five centimeters, causing severe flooding in some areas. The water in Lijiang River has also risen above alert level.

Nearly 24,000 residents in Guizhou province have been affected, with 7 people dead and 4 others still missing. More than 17,000 hectares of farmland have been destroyed in the region.

The central meteorological station predicts heavy rain will continue in these areas on Sunday. Meanwhile, the central government has dispatched emergency rescue groups to the most affected areas.