18 Jun 2007 15:18:00 GMT
Source: Action by Churches Together (ACT) - Switzerland
Elisabeth Gouel

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Rising Death Toll in South China Floods*

Geneva, 18 June 2007

Days of torrential rains since the beginning of June, have resulted in
extensive flooding of the southern Yangzi River and south western China,
affecting more than 9 million people. The State Flood Control and
Drought Relief Headquarters reported that Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou
and Hunan Provinces have been the worst hit by the continuous heavy
rains, mudslides and floods, and issued a level-4 emergency response
warning (the highest in the country). Rescue and relief teams have been
sent to the affected areas.

According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the death toll stood at 66
persons with 12 reported missing on June 10. The floods have damaged
some 94,000 houses and destroyed 48,000 in the region, forcing the
evacuation of around 591,000 people. About 294,800 hectares of crops
have been affected of which 53,000 hectares have been totally destroyed.
Losses are estimated to run over US$ 371 million.

The National Meteorological Centre has forecast continuing heavy rains
south of the Yangtze River and in South China for the next few days.

ACT member Amity Foundation is following the flood situation closely and
will keep the ACT Coordinating Office (CO) updated.