Death toll from NW China flood rises to 26

XINING -- The death toll from a mountain torrent triggered by heavy rains in Northwest China's Qinghai province has risen to 26 as of 4 p.m. Sunday, with another five people still missing, according to local authorities.

A total of 6,245 residents of six villages in the Datong Hui and Tu autonomous county have been affected by heavy rains, which began at 10:25 pm on Wednesday, according to the emergency response headquarters for the natural disaster.

The downpours lashed Datong, triggering flash floods and mudslides and causing rivers to change course, then striking the villages.

Twenty-three people who were previously reported missing have been rescued. Electricity in the affected areas has been restored, roads and bridges have resumed traffic, and network communication has been restored.