Mainland appreciates Taiwan's concern over floods

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday thanked people in Taiwan for their concern over heavy rain battering the south of the mainland.

"The Kuomintang and people from all walks of life in Taiwan have expressed their concern and condolences via various channels... We are thankful," said Ma Xiaoguang of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Tuesday that five days of heavy rain along the Yangtze River and its tributaries had left 128 people dead and 42 others missing.

The rain had led to the collapse of 41,000 houses and forced the evacuation of more than 1.34 million people. Nearly 600,000 people are in urgent need of basic living assistance. Endi