China rains hit 720,000 people

Beijing, July 15: About 720,000 people in central China's Hunan province have been affected due to heavy rainstorms, officials said on Tuesday.

A total of 465 homes have toppled and 149,400 residents have been relocated because of the storms, Xinhua reported.

More than 120,000 locals and tourists have been evacuated since Monday night after heavy rains hit Fenghuang county.

Power supply in Fenghuang has been cut off and multiple temporary settlements set up to cater for the displaced.

About 128,000 people in the county have been affected by the flooding, authorities said.

Several bridges on Tuojiang river have been inundated or destroyed. Water has flowed into dozens of bars, restaurants and hotels.

The water level is sufficient for boats to pass along several streets.

The hydrographical bureau issued a red alert, the highest level in the country's four-tier warning system, Tuesday.

According to officials, heavy rains will hit the province Wednesday too.

IANS