Update: 3 dead, 11 missing in Guangdong rainstorm

GUANGZHOU, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Three were killed and 11 others remain missing after continuous heavy rainfall hit many parts of south China's Guangdong Province in recent days, according to local authorities.

The three deaths were reported in Zhaoqing City. They were trapped due to the rainfall and were found to have died at the site.

The search and rescue operations are still underway. Six of the missing individuals are from Jiangwan Township, Shaoguan City while the other five are from Dalong Village, Qingyuan City, according to the provincial emergency management department.

The recent heavy rainfall has affected many cities including Shaoguan, Guangzhou, Heyuan, Zhaoqing, Qingyuan, Meizhou and Huizhou, resulting in damaged houses, blocked roads and landslides.

A total of 53,741 people have been relocated across the province, with 12,256 people being urgently resettled, the department said.

So far, 36 houses have collapsed, 48 houses have been severely damaged, resulting in a direct economic loss of nearly 140.6 million yuan (about 19.8 million U.S. dollars). ■