Heavy
rain in China has killed at least 87 people and forced thousands from their
homes, state media reported on Saturday.
Seventy-two
people have been killed and 78 are missing in the northern province of Hebei
after rain triggered floods and landslides, the Xinhua news agency
reported, citing the civil affairs department.
Nearly
50,000 homes have collapsed, it said.
In the
central province of Henan, 15 people were killed and eight were missing after
thunderstorms and strong winds forced 72,000 people from their homes and
damaged 18,000 houses.
Altogether
about 8.6 million people have been affected by the flooding, according to state
media and local government reports.
Large
parts of China have been inundated with rain this summer, killing more than 200
people.
More
than 1.5 million hectares of crops have been damaged, leading to direct
economic losses of more than 20 billion yuan ($3 billion), the government has
said.
The
central bank on Friday issued a statement saying it would provide financial
support for flooded areas.
Labels: Heavy Rain Kills 87 in China
