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Floods leave 4 dead, 16 missing in SW China town

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-24 22:58

CHENGDU - Four people are dead and 16 others missing after torrential rains caused flooding Saturday at a township in southwest China's Sichuan province, local authorities said.

Special coverage: China combats rainstorms, floods Related readings:  Premier orders preparations for more serious floods  Thousands flee as NW China river bursts banks  13 die in Northwest China landlide  Boulders blamed for deadly Tai Po flood

Rainstorms pelted Chenhe township in Tongjiang county for 10 hours Saturday beginning at midnight, triggering floods that swamped all one-floor buildings in the worst-hit Chang town. Roads leading into the town were cut off, as were telecommunications and power supplies, said officials in the county's emergency response office.

More than 3,100 people evacuated their homes and were relocated to warehouses and tents on higher ground, said Li Gang, head of the county government's information office.

Rescuers continue searching for residents reported as missing.

Floods also rushed into more than 100 stores in Chang town, causing massive economic losses, said Li.

As the rain had ended by noon, floodwaters are receding from the town, he added.

Floods in China this year have left 742 people dead and 367 missing in 28 provinces, regions and municipalities, as of Friday morning, according to statistics released by the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.