Heavy rains fell in most parts of drought-ravaged Sichuan Province from Monday through Tuesday morning, dowsing the long-lasting heatwave.

According to the provincial observatory, 138.2 mm and 107.8 mm of rainfall were recorded in Muchuan County and Nanchong City, which were particularly hard hit by drought over the past three months.

Neijiang City and 21 counties including Quxian and Tianquan reported rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 99.9 mm, according to the provincial observatory.

In other parts of Sichuan, 25 mm to 49.9 mm of rainfall were reported.

The provincial observatory forecast rains and rainstorms in 11 cities such as Nanchong and Leshan from Tuesday morning until evening. Local governments are warning of possible disasters that might be triggered by heavy rains in mountainous areas.

The provincial observatory forecast overcast weather and showers, as well as heavy rains in some places, till Sunday, which will put an end to the long-lasting heatwave.

Over the past three months, the drought has left at least 18 million people short of drinking water in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, according to the Ministry of Water Resources.

Sichuan Province was hit the hardest.

The Sichuan Provincial Meteorological Administration said central and eastern parts of the province experienced temperatures of up to 40 degrees on Saturday.

The drought provoked drinking water shortages for more than 10 million people in Sichuan.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2006)