Thousands flee their homes amid fatal downpours

Torrential rain across nine provinces and Chongqing municipality in central and southern areas of China has left more than 20 people dead and forced tens of thousands from their homes.

Fifteen people have been reported missing since the heavy downpours started on Saturday, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said on Monday.

It said nearly 268,000 people have been relocated and 324,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, leading to direct economic losses of 6 billion yuan ($912 million).