China launches emergency response for flood relief in Inner Mongolia

BEIJING -- China's disaster relief authorities has launched a level IV emergency response plan to help flood victims in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management Saturday.

About 761,000 people in Inner Mongolia in north China were affected by floods caused by heavy rains that hit the region since the beginning of this month. As of 7 am Friday, 12 people were reported dead and two others missing. Nearly 100,000 people have been evacuated.

According to regional civil affairs authority, 2,528 houses collapsed while 3,152 houses were badly damaged. The direct economic losses in the region were estimated at 5.3 billion yuan (about $780 million).

The Ministry of Emergency Management has sent relief work teams to flood-hit regions to guide relief efforts.

The ministry has sent 3,000 tents, 5,000 folding beds and other supplies to flood-hit regions.