Sichuan relocates nearly 90,000 people as torrential rains lash southwest China

Chinese authorities relocated nearly 90,000 people to safety across 95 counties and districts in Sichuan Province within 24 hours as torrential rains continued to batter southwestern China, according to the provincial geological disaster command office.

Between July 31 and August 1, heavy rainfall affected several parts of Sichuan, including Yibin, Mianyang, Guangyuan, Zigong, Deyang, Chengdu, Meishan and Neijiang. The highest rainfall — 237.5 mm — was recorded in Yunfeng Village of Yibin's Xuzhou District, Caliber.Az reports via CCTV.

As of 7:00 a.m. on August 1, the latest round of rainfall, which began on July 29, had affected 88,203 people across 77 counties and districts in 13 cities and prefectures. The storms damaged 742.4 hectares of farmland, destroyed three houses (nine rooms) and caused direct economic losses.

Heavy rains also triggered two landslides in Dazhou City. Authorities said no casualties were reported and preventive measures had been put in place.

Since the start of Sichuan's flood season, authorities have carried out 817,200 precautionary relocations, according to official figures.

By Jeyhun Aghazada