CHINA ON ALERT FOR POSSIBLE MASSIVE FLOODS IN SOUTH WESTERN REGION

BEIJING, July 3 (Bernama)-- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief
Headquarters is on level 4 alert to the possibility of massive floods in the
country's south western region, which has been badly hit by rainstorms over the
past one week.

Twelve affected provinces in the region include Yunnan, Sichuan, Fujian,
Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangxi and Guangdong.

According to the agency, the latest round of rainstorms had affected 22
localities, killing 95 people and leaving another 21 missing.

It also said the rainstorms caused 10.78 billion yuan (about US$1.48 billion)
in direct economic losses.

Overnight rainstorm lasted for nine hours resulting in road communication in
Jiangxi and Guangxi province badly affected.

The water level of the Lijiang river near Guilin in Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region, has also risen over the danger mark and tourism actitivies
had to be stopped for the safety of tourists.

The agency said the water level was rising at a rate of 40cm per hour and
estimated to reach flooding level by Friday evening.

Since Thursday night, heavy downpours hit Jiangxi province, causing
landslides in Shicheng township and floods in many areas.

In Guizhou province, train services had been forced to stop since Wednesday
and is expected to last till Sunday.

On Thursday, heavy rains coupled with strong winds hit Shanghai's Hongqiao
and Pudong Airports, resulting in 150 flights being delayed.
-- BERNAMA