Rain brings disaster and floods to western China

Shanghai Daily, September 21, 2011

China's meteorological authorities yesterday forecast rain in most regions in the country's drought-hit southwest over the next three days, while flooding has forced the evacuation of thousands of homes in the northwest.

A ferry restaurant sinks off the Yu'ao Bridge in Chongqing's downtown when flooding hit the southwestern city yesterday. Ten people fell into the river during the afternoon accident. Eight were rescued but two are still missing.

Southern parts of Sichuan Province and western and northern parts of Yunnan Province will experience heavy rainfall, the National Meteorological Center said.

Central eastern parts of Hainan Province will have rainstorms, with some regions receiving up to 120 millimeters, it said. Rain will also hit the south-central parts of Gansu Province.

Other southwestern areas will have light rain, probably less than 5mm.

In the northwest, about 71,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Shaanxi Province, fleeing the worst flood in 50 years to hit the usually arid region, according to the local government.

Torrential rains have swelled the Weihe River, said Wang Tongchun, chief of the flood control office in Weinan City. The crest of the flood was expected to arrive at Huaxian County last night.

Across the province, 35 people have been confirmed dead in flood-related disasters, including 19 factory workers killed in a landslide in the provincial capital Xi'an. Another 13 are still missing.

Meanwhile, the weather center said a cold front will continue to affect areas south of the Yangtze River, forcing down temperatures and bringing gales to the East China and the Yellow seas.