China evacuates over 7000 people due to heavy rains in the southwest of the country

Chinese authorities have evacuated more than seven thousand people due to continued heavy rains in the mountainous city of Chaotong in Yunnan Province, southwest China.

The Chinese Xinhua News Agency quoted local sources as saying: Rainwater swept away houses in the town of Luohbu in Wenshan County, leading to the loss of 5 people. Chaotong authorities are making comprehensive efforts to rescue and provide relief from the disaster, evacuating more than 7000 people to safe areas.

Large parts of Chaotong city and surrounding areas have also seen continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days, causing significant damage to more than one county under the city's administration.