Heavy rain strands 9,000 air passengers in west China

CHENGDU -- About 9,000 passengers were stranded Wednesday due to heavy rain in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to local authorities.

A rainstorm hit the city from 3 am to 5 am Wednesday. Starting from 10:30 am, heavy rain again pelted through the city, forcing the airport to temporarily close both of its runways twice.

As of 12 noon, a total of 34 flights had been canceled, 98 delayed and 30 landed at alternative airports, leaving 9,000 passengers stranded at the airport, according to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Sichuan has been battered by heavy rain this summer. Meteorological authorities have warned the public to be prepared for potential disasters as the rain continues.