The maximum number of deaths occurred in Guizhou province where thousands of people have left their homes to escape the rising waters over the past few days, Shanghai Daily reported quoting officials.
Deaths have also been reported in eastern Jiangsu province.
Officials said the toll could rise.
Nearly 8,000 houses have been destroyed in the floods and thousands of hectares of farmland inundated.
The meteorological department said Guizhou will be hit by more rain over the coming few days.
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