Downpours leave 12 dead or missing in central China: report

Twelve people are dead or missing after the heaviest rain in centuries hit parts of central China, state media reported.

A total of 10 people are confirmed dead after the week-long rains in Hubei province, while two are missing, and over 100,000 have been evacuated, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Since early this week, the area around the Hubei city of Xiangfan has experienced the biggest downpour in 450 years, the Chutian Metropolitan News said on its website.

In a 48-hour period over Monday and Tuesday, the region saw 30.8 centimetres of rain, affecting 1.1 million people, according to the paper.

The 450-year timeframe may be more than mere hyperbole, as local chroniclers of the past often kept meticulous records of unusual events, such as freak weather phenomena.

Torrential rains have affected huge parts of southern and central China this summer, taking a heavy toll in life and material damage.

- AFP

- AFP

© AFP 2008

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