China: Flooding, 54 people died

Heavy rains from early June helped reduce severe drought in central and southern China but led to flooding that left at least 54 people dead and more than 100,000 people evacuated in many areas of 12 provinces in China, Xinhua News Agency said on June 9.

This flood destroyed 7,500 apartments and submerged 255,000ha of cultivated land, affecting nearly 5 million people and estimated losses of up to 760 million USD. About 32 people are still missing.

Floodwaters flooded in a residential area in Jiangxi Province
(Photo: Chinanews.com)

The area in the southwest of Guizhou Province was the worst affected with 122.5mm rainfall in one hour, the largest in 200 years.

Chinese flood control agencies warn that there will be heavy rains causing floods in many areas in the coming days.