Chinese authorities say recent heavy rain ended months of crop-destroying drought, but caused new problems for residents of southwestern provinces, including Guizhou, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hangzhou. The relentless rains sparked damaging floods.
Guizhou province appears to be the hardest hit. Authorities say flood water has swept through 11 communities since June 3 and affected about 270,000 people. Wangmo County suffered the most damage. County authorities estimate 45,000 people have fled their homes while 3,000 remain stranded. Fourteen people have been killed and about 30 others are missing. At least 300 homes have been completely destroyed and 2,400 others are submerged in water. Many roads and bridges have been washed away in raging flood waters.
More rain is forecast for the southwest over the next several days.
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