Rainstorms force evacuation of over 15,000 residents in SW China

CHONGQING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rains have resulted in the evacuation of more than 15,000 residents in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, local authorities said on Monday.

According to the municipal meteorological department, heavy downpours hit 16 districts and counties in Chongqing from 7 a.m. on Sunday to 7 a.m. on Monday. The heaviest precipitation was recorded in Hechuan District, reaching 167 mm.

As of 6 a.m. on Monday, over 15,000 people had been evacuated in Chongqing, the municipal emergency management department said.

The municipal meteorological observatory and hydrological monitoring station forecast heavy to torrential rainfall across multiple regions of Chongqing from day to night on Monday, including the central urban area, central and southeastern parts, and southern sections of the northeastern section.

From 8 a.m. on Monday to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, most small and medium-sized rivers across Chongqing are expected to experience water level rises to varying degrees. ■