More heavy rain is on the way, prompting mass evacuations, warnings along Yangtze, its tributaries
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are wreaking havoc across China, with floods along major rivers destroying bridges, blocking roads and railways and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, state media reported Saturday.
Weather authorities are forecasting more downpours throughout the country Saturday, with floods and landslides expected in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
Heavy rain and flooding hits much of China this time every year, often with hundreds killed, but the number of casualties this year has been relatively low, at least in the early summer, with one province reporting 12 dead and another three.
The National Meteorological Center said rainfall could exceed 80 millimeter (3 inches) per hour in some regions Saturday. It also warned of floods in the northeast and called on authorities to halt outdoor activities and watch out for collapsing structures.
