Hailstorms leave three dead in north, central China

SHIJIAZHUANG - Three people died and more than 150,000 have been affected as downpours and hailstorms lashed northern and central parts of China, authorities said Friday.

In North China's Hebei province, the provincial civil affairs department said rain and hail which started on Tuesday evening had killed two people.

The severe weather also affected 67,700 residents, damaged 4,762 hectares of crops, inflicted direct economic losses of nearly 19 million yuan (about $3 million) across more than 100 cities and counties as of Thursday morning.

Rain and hail on Wednesday killed one person in Central China's Henan province, said the provincial disaster-relief office on Friday.

In Puyang county, the wind speed reached as high as 66 miles per hour. The office said strong gales and hailstorms have affected 87,600 residents, damaged 8,180 hectares of crops in over 20 counties and inflicted direct losses of 37 million yuan, according to the office.

This week, heavy rainfall has plagued southern parts of China, causing 10 deaths and leaving four missing as of Tuesday. Residents were advised to stay indoors and be alert.