Rainstorms affect 508,000 in SW China

CHENGDU - Strong rain has affected more than 508,000 people in Southwest China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, local authorities said Wednesday.

The downpours have been battering most parts of Sichuan since Monday evening, leaving two people missing, according to the provincial flood control headquarters.

The heavy rain has destroyed about 300 homes and resulted in excessive waters levels on several major rivers.

Local government authorities have relocated about 36,800 people due to the possibility of geological disasters triggered by the rain.

Three bridges have collapsed since Monday evening due to rain-triggered floods in the cities of Jiangyou and Deyang, the headquarters said.

Six people and five vehicles fell off the Panjiang Bridge into a river in Jiangyou, according to the local emergency headquarters.

In neighboring Yunnan province, rainstorms have affected over 28,600 people and toppled over 5,280 houses. Local authorities have suspended classes in rural schools in the area.

A flood in Zhongcheng town in Yunnan province kills four people on July 10, 2013. [Photo/CFP]