China: Torrential rains cause widespread flooding

Large parts of China have been hit by severe storms as the seasonal rains cause further floods across the country.

The latest round of torrential rains swept Anqing in east China’s Anhui Province on Sunday, following downpours on Thursday, leaving residents stranded and farmland damaged.

In Sanqiao Town, in Huaining County, nearly 100 residents were trapped after heavy rain triggered further flooding across the region.

Water levels have been high for many weeks, and now stand at up to two metres higher in places.

The homes of more than 200 people have been evacuated. Meanwhile, about 60 people are still stranded.

The local meteorological department forecast more downpours in the next few days, making the task of controlling the flood even more difficult.

READ MORE: Dozens dead as flash floods sweep through Pakistan

Elsewhere, torrential rains have left 12 miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in the northern province of Shanxi, the country’s safety watchdog said on Sunday.

A total of 94 miners were working underground when the accident occurred late on Saturday. According to the State Administration of Work Safety, 82 miners have already been rescued.

More than 1,000 rescuers have been called in to help and the drainage operation is continuing. The weather offers some encouragement.

The water level in the mine has now dropped by about two metres. Clearer skies are expected in the short term.

Any further rain that falls in the coming days is likely to be light and patchy.