Severe weather in Sichuan: Tens of thousands evacuated

More than 80,000 people have been brought to safety in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan due to heavy rains and flooding. The water levels of the major rivers throughout the province exceeded warning levels after rainfall from Friday to Sunday, news agency Reuters reported, citing state media. A reservoir in the city of Dazhou exceeded its flood limit by 2.2 meters, according to the report. More than 440,000 people in six cities across the province have now been affected by flooding. According to state broadcaster CCTV, Sichuan has already suffered economic damages to around 250 million yuan, equal to just below 33 million euros. 45 houses were destroyed, and another 118 were severely damaged.