Torrential rain caused floods and mud-rock flows in northwest China's Gansu Province between May 28 and 29, claiming eight lives, according to the provincial flood and drought control and prevention headquarters.

A heavy rainstorm struck the south-central part of the province on Saturday night and triggered floods and mud-rock flows, the source said.

In the worst-hit county of Minxian, the disaster damaged 436.4 hectares of farmland and affected a population of 8,842, with direct economic losses estimated at 38.2 million yuan (US$4.6 million).

Local authorities are organizing disaster-relief work and reconstruction, and disaster assessment is underway.

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2005)