Rainstorms have left seven dead and one missing in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a local government source said Saturday.

The heavy rainstorm hit the seat of the Abag Banner government, Xilin Gol League between 2:25 PM and 7:10 PM Friday with a rainfall of 89.6 millimeters within four hours.

The heavy rains collapsed many houses, with 20,000 people affected.

Rescue efforts are under way.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2006)