Rain triggers urban flooding in SW China

KUNMING - The most rainfall of the year has hit Kunming since Thursday, forcing the so-called "city of eternal spring" to grapple with urban flooding.

Rainfall from 8 pm Thursday to 8 am Friday reached up to 190 mm, and rain-triggered floods have seriously disrupted road traffic in the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, said Jiang Kaili, deputy director of the flood control office of Kunming.

Cars and taxis were submerged along streets and more than 200 inundated bridges have been rendered unusable.

Jiang said the city's drainage system failed, resulting in floods in many areas in the city proper. Water levels of the Panlong River on Friday exceeded the height of the river bank near Shilichangjie Street, according to the city's drainage company.

Other rivers that traverse the city, such as the Jinzhen and Daguan, also saw drastic increases in water levels.

Meanwhile, rain is continuing to batter the city. According to the provincial weather forecast, it should continue until July 25.

The city government on Friday initiated emergency response for flood control, and more than 300 workers have joined in disaster relief efforts.