Latest News

Thousands flee as NW China river bursts banks

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-24 16:27
Large Medium Small

XI'AN - Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes early Saturday as the Luofu River in Northwest China burst its banks, but no casualties have been reported, say local authorities.

More than 500 people were battling to repair a 50-meter breach in the riverbank at Huayin city, Shaanxi province, said a spokesman with Weinan city government, which administers Huayin.

Special coverage:
China combats rainstorms, floods
Related readings:
Thousands flee as NW China river bursts banks Ancient city evacuated for flood fears in SW China
Thousands flee as NW China river bursts banks Planning mistake blamed for city's flood woes
Thousands flee as NW China river bursts banks Authorities issue warning as Yangtze River branch swells
Thousands flee as NW China river bursts banks Floods leave 742 dead, 367 missing in China in 2010
He said 6,404 people from 1,587 households had been evacuated before the breach.

River inspectors noticed the fast-rising water level in the Luofu, a tributary of the Weihe River, and alerted Huayin flood control officials at around 3 am, he said.

Torrential rains pounded Huayin City from 8 am Friday to 6 am Saturday.

Floods in China this year had left 742 people dead and 367 missing as of Friday, according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

Floods have hit 28 provinces, regions and municipalities, affecting 120 million people and swamping 7.6 million hectares of crops, according to the headquarters.

They have destroyed 670,000 homes and resulted in direct economic losses of 152.4 billion yuan ($22.51 billion).