Five killed, 4.68 million affected by heavy rains in China

Beijing: At least 15 people were killed and 4.68 million affected as heavy rains lashed several parts of China. Rain lashed nine provincial regions in southern and eastern China, including the provinces of Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi, an official statement said.

Hail or rain-triggered floods have affected 4.68 million people and forced the relocation of 62,000 people, toppling 2,500 houses and damaged 21,400 hectares of crops, state-run Xinhua quoted the statement as saying. The disasters caused direct economic losses of 1.7 billion yuan (about USD 277.16 million). PTI