Heavy rain swept the southern part of Shaanxi from June 8 to 10, causing serious flooding that killed more than 150 and left 300 missing. Some 5.1 million people were affected. Communications, transportation and power were shut off.

Immediately after the disaster was reported, huge amounts of medicine and bleach were sent by all means of transportation, including helicopter, to the affected area. Medical teams were sent as well to control the safety of drinking water, food and living places.

Jia Zhibang, deputy governor of the province, said that it was still possible for an epidemic to break out in the wake of such a disaster. He stressed that more efforts should be made to ensure local residents' health.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2002)