18 mln people affected by heavy rain in S. China

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 06-16-2008 13:27

At least 57 people have been killed and nearly 18 million affected as rainstorms and floods hit southern and eastern parts of China.

Flooded houses are seen at Luzhai Town in Luzhai County, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2008. Flood caused by heavy rains in the county has left many buildings waterlogged. (Xinhua Photo)

According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, crops on over 860,000 hectares of farms have been damaged. The heavy rains have toppled 45,000 houses and damaged another 140,000. Direct economic losses stand at more than ten billion yuan.

In the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou, Yunnan, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, storms and floods have forced the relocation of over a million people. The harsh weather also triggered landslides, mud-rock flows and other disasters.

The National Meteorological Center forecast more rains in southern parts of the country for the next few days. Flood prevention measures have been strengthened nationwide as some major rivers are already recording water levels above danger lines.

Editor:Xiong Qu