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Rainstorms to hit E, C China over next 3 days

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-15 15:08

BEIJING - China's meteorological authority Thursday forecast rainstorms for parts of central and eastern China over the next three days.

Heavy rains and rainstorms will hit some regions in the provinces of Sichuan, Guangdong, Hainan and Shaanxi, as well as Guangxi Zhuang autonomous regions and areas along the Huaihe River, the China Meteorological Administration said.

Related readings:  Rainstorms continue, disrupting traffic in Central China  Rainstorms to lash flooded China provinces  S China sees end to rainstorms next week  Millions affected by rainstorms, floods in southern China

Southeastern Gansu, northeastern Inner Mongolia and western Heilongjiang will also see heavy rains over the next three days, with some parts experiencing torrential rains.

The weather authority also said typhoon Conson is moving toward Hainan and Guangdong provinces at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. It will make landfall sometime between Friday afternoon and early Saturday and bring strong winds.

Torrential rains have pounded southern regions of China in recent weeks, causing heavy losses.

Rainstorms and floods sweeping through southern China have left at least 118 dead and 47 missing since July 1, the Civil Affairs Ministry Wednesday said.

About 101,000 houses have been destroyed and close to 1.1 million residents have been relocated. Direct economic losses are estimated at 22.2 billion yuan ($3.3 billion).

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have ordered ministries and local governments ensure public safety and minimize property losses, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said Wednesday.

Hu and Wen stressed that people in areas under the threat of flood or typhoon must be quickly relocated to safety.