7 dead in SW China downpour

CHENGDU - Seven people have been confirmed dead and four others missing after heavy downpours hit Yibin city in Southwest China's Sichuan province, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Heavy rains hit several parts of Sichuan province from 8 am Tuesday to 8 am Wednesday. Precipitation exceeded 200 mm in worst-hit Guangyuan city, according to the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.

The downpour has triggered landslides and destroyed several houses in Hongxian and Pingshan counties in Yinbin city, the headquarters said.