18 killed in SW China rainstorms

GUIYANG - Rainstorms have killed 18 people and left another missing in southwest China's Guizhou province since July 11, local authorities said.

Torrential rains have triggered floods, mudslides and landslides in mountainous regions, according to the Civil Affairs Bureau of Guizhou.

According to statistics released by the bureau, more than 2.31 million people in 69 counties, cities and districts across the province have been affected by the heavy rains. A total of 89,600 hectares of crops have been damaged and 1,172 houses have collapsed.

Direct economic losses are estimated to be 1.38 billion yuan ($217.5 million), it said.

Public security officers, armed police and firemen have been mobilized to join in flood relief efforts. So far, 43,069 residents have been relocated to avoid possible rain-triggered floods and mudslides.

Local meteorological stations predicted that the rain will continue from July 22 to 24.