At least 64 dead, 65 missing in China rainstorms

TERRA.WIRE

At least 64 dead, 65 missing in China rainstorms
BEIJING (AFP) Sep 06, 2004
At least 64 people were killed and 65 missing in torrential storms lashing southwest China, disaster relief officials and state media said Monday.

At least 55 were killed and 47 were missing in Sichuan province while nine people died and 18 were missing in Chongqing municipality.

"Among the dead and missing many are from Dazhou city. There are 30 dead and 30 missing there," Sichuan disaster relief bureau deputy director He Rongjun told AFP.

"It has mainly been caused by landslides and mountain torrents, mud and rock flows."

Heavy rain has been pounding the area since last Thursday, although He said it was expected to ease Monday.