Floods have destroyed 8,000 houses, affected 1.44 million people and damaged some reservoirs and river embankments, causing direct economic losses of 420 million yuan.

More than 100 mm of rain has fallen recently in six counties in Chenzhou City and five counties in Yongzhou City in Hunan Province. Zhuzhou City received 333 mm of rain.

As a result, water levels in Xiangjiang, Zishui, Yuanjiang and Lishui rivers and Dongting Lake have risen considerably. The hydrographic station at Hengyang City on the Xiangjiang River reported the river rose by 3.66 meters.

Leading provincial government officials have arrived at Chenzhou and Yongzhou cities to make emergency arrangements. More than 2,000 people stranded by floodwater have been rescued and moved to safety.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2002)