5 dead, 11 missing as continuous heavy rains lash Central China county

CHANGSHA -- Continuous heavy rains have lashed Shimen county in Central China's Hunan province, leaving five people dead and 11 others missing, according to local authorities.

The severe downpour, the first round of torrential rains this year, began at 7 am on Sunday. A total of 23 townships and districts have been affected, impacting 103,247 residents, the county's emergency response and work safety committee said.

Rescue operations are underway.