24 die in China floods

Thirteen people were killed and 23 others missing after the worst rainstorm of this year lashed Sichuan Province early Friday, the provincial flood control authorities said today.
The rain forced the Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, to close yesterday, affecting more than 100 flights and at least 10,000 passengers.

The rain stopped in Chengdu Saturday and the airport was working around the clock to handle a record 640 flight landings and takeoffs.

Many Chinese regions have reported casualties and losses caused by the rain.
Rain-triggered disasters have left at least 11 people dead in Hubei Province, where 59 people have already lost their lives since July 3.

The losses were estimated to 8.92 billion yuan. Shaanxi Province has reported four deaths since Thursday when downpours began to hit 13 counties and forced the evacuation of 260 people.

The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, China's longest, raised water discharge speed again today to save dam space for another round of rainfall coming in two or three days.
The Three Gorges navigation administration said it will close the ship lock if the floods gush in at a speed of up to 45,000 cubic meters per second.

At least 170 people have been confirmed dead and 40 are missing in continuous rainstorms and consequent floods, reportedly worst in years in some regions, according to the Civil Affairs Ministry