Storm rains kill 20, 10 missing in Yunnan

(Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-08-11 16:34

Kunming -- The heavy rains in Yunnan province during the past 4 days, causing floods and landslides in this southwest mountainous area, have already claimed 20 lives, leaving 10 missing and over 818,300 people affected, Yunnan civil affairs afficials said.

On August 9, a landslide hit Maguan County, Wenshan Miao Autonomous Prefecture, burying roadside construction tents.

According to lastest release from local government, the Maguan landslide has already killed 4 person, injuried 5, with another 7 missing. A 120-member rescue team is dispatched for search and rescue efforts.

The massive rainfalls, caused by west-moving tropical storm Kammuri, the ninth tropical storm of the year, have toppled over 1600 houses, leaving over 7,000 hectares of crops fruitless.

According to report with Xinjing, a Beijing daily, international railway line connecting China and Viet Nam was also forced to suspension due to caving-ins.

The direct economic loss so far almost exceeds $43 million. Local government have been quick in relief operation, evacuating over 2,400 to safety, Xinhua said.