Society

Death toll rises to 3 in Fujian torrential rains

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-20 14:21

FUZHOU - The death toll from rainstorms in east China's Fujian province rose to three on Thursday after rescuers found the body of an 11-month-old baby, the provincial flood-control and drought relief headquarters said.

The infant died in a rain-triggered mountain torrent in Yong'an, Sanming city, central Fujian, said Qiu Tingmeng, director of the headquarters.

Related readings:  Rain to continue in S China, temperatures to rise in N  Cities in S China affected by heavy rain  24 dead as rain pounds Jiangxi; 42K relocated  Heavy rain hits Hunan, at least 5 dead

Her mother, who was believed to have been carrying the baby when the flood occurred, is among five people still missing.

The rains, which began Tuesday, have lashed more than 25 counties and cities in Fujian, and rainfall reached 75 mm in two hours on Wednesday afternoon in Yong'an.

Two people were killed by lightning during rainstorms Tuesday in Jianyang, Nanping city, neighboring Sanming.

Rains were forecast to continue to pound many areas of Fujian for the next two days, provincial meteorological authorities said.

Sixteen Chinese provinces have seen floods since April 1, leaving at least 70 dead and 21 missing, said the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters Tuesday.