Rainstorms which swept northwest China's Shaanxi Province from late Saturday to early Sunday left three people dead and seven missing, flood control authorities said.

From Saturday afternoon to the early hours of Sunday, the downpours hit six counties in central and southern Shaanxi Province with rainfall of up to 92 millimeters, the Shaanxi Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.

Floods and mudflow destroyed two homes in the worst-hit areas, leaving three dead and four missing. Another three villagers were swept away by floodwater and remain missing.

Local government has organized search parties. The provincial headquarters also dispatched a team on Sunday to the worst hit Mianxian County to help rescue and relief work.

The heavy rainfall also resulted in flood peaks in two rivers, but their water levels began to drop on Sunday afternoon.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2008)