Continuous torrential rain over the past few days has caused flooding in Guilin, one of the major scenic areas in south China.

According to local sources, one million people in 14 counties of Guilin City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are affected.

Over 2,000 houses have collapsed, more than 70,000 hectares of farm land is covered, 700 factories and mines have had to close and 200 km of highway has been destroyed.

Passenger rail services, especially those passing through the Guilin area, as well as traffic on some national highways running through the city, have been suspended.

Since June 14, rain with accumulated 261 mm of precipitation has fallen in the city's downtown districts.

The famous Lijiang River has risen above danger level. To guarantee the safety of tourists, local authorities have closed itto shipping.

Local flood control headquarters report that with the help of the army stationed in the region they are well prepared for flood peaks.

Now it is the flood season for most rivers in China and casualties caused by landslides in flooded mountainous regions in the country's northwestern, southwestern and southern parts continue to increase.

( Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2002)