Two dead after heavy rain pummels C China

At least two people have been killed after heavy rain lashed central China's Hunan Province for two consecutive days, causing losses for 466,500 people.

The two deaths occurred in Yongshun County, where a house collapsed on Friday burying two children, aged 5 and 7, according to the provincial civil affairs department, which is still investigating casualties and economic damages.

The rain disrupted traffic in several towns, damaging hundreds of houses and flooding 24,600 hectares of farmland.

All major tourist spots were closed on Friday over safety concerns.

Hunan Provincial Tourism Bureau shut down more than 10 destinations, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Fenghuang river town. The commission warned tourists against traveling, camping or picnicking near rivers or on hillsides.

The local weather observatory said rain will intensify on Saturday, lasting until next Wednesday.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)