1 killed, 2,000 evacuated as rainstorms batter central China

CHANGSHA - One person was killed and nearly 2,000 were evacuated as of 9 am Saturday as heavy rains lashed parts of Central China's Hunan province, said the provincial flood control authority.

From Thursday, rainstorms battered the western and middle areas of Hunan, including the capital city of Changsha. A maximum rainfall of 69mm an hour was recorded in Pingba township of Guzhang county at 6 am, said the Hunan Provincial Flood Control Headquarters.

The rain has affected over 25,000 people, disrupting traffic and flooding farmlands.

It is forecast that the weather will last until May 6. Meteorologists warn of landslides.