Rainstorms beginning from last Friday have left seven people killed, three others missing and more than 1.4 million people affected in southern Guangxi Autonomous Region, according to local government.  

The rainstorms hit the cities of Qinzhou and Yulin with a largest daily precipitation of 360 mm, flooding 16 counties, triggering mountain torrents and cutting off traffic and water supply, according to the regional disaster relief office.  

More than 130,000 people have to be evacuated and at least 63,000 hectares of grains were flooded, according to the office.  

The regional department of civil affairs has sent task forces to the storm-stricken areas to investigate the damage and supervise the rescue work.  

The regional meteorological observatory forecast more heavy rain in the southern part of Guangxi in next two days and warned local governments should make full preparation for possible floods.
 
 (Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2006)