Continuous rainstorms have resulted in floodings in some medium and small rivers of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, inflicting severe damages to the cities of Hegang and Yichun.

Flood peak level in the Wutong River of Hegang city reached 99.02 meters on July 29, the highest since 1972, according to the provincial flood and drought control and prevention headquarters.

The flooding in the Wutong River also threatened the safety of the Yuanbaoshan Reservoir in the city, which burst some spillways and spillway gates of the reservoir.

Flooding in the rivers of Yichun city has afflicted a population of 50,000 and 15 highways were damaged, which caused direct economic losses totaling 360 million yuan (US$43.3 million).

The province has mobilized all-out efforts to combat the flooding, and particular attention has been paid to the safety of people, reservoirs and river embankments.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2005)