Rains kill seven in China

 

 

 

 Seven people died after heavy downpour and hailstorms lashed China's northwest province of Gansu, officials said Tuesday.

 

 

 Heavy rain hit parts of Dingxi city, Gannan Tibetan prefecture and the provincial capital Lanzhou from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, Xinhua reported.

 

 At least 26 people were injured while one was reported missing. Nearly 20,000 people were affected and 213 houses collapsed.

 

 Flood and mud flow hit a township in Zhangxian county in Dingxi, damaging some houses and cutting off a national highway. Rescue and relief work is under way.

 

IANS