21 killed, 4 missing as heavy rain hits Central China

Extreme weather conditions have affected 108,700 people in 13 county-level regions, damaged 8,110 hectares of crops and damaged or leveled over 3,600 houses, causing direct economic losses of 108 million yuan ($16.7 million), according to the province's emergency management department.

Hubei's meteorological service warned that rain was expected during peak traffic hours and people who commute should be cautious when traveling across low-lying areas. It decided to raise its response level for the rainstorm from Level IV to III.

China's emergency management watchdog has dispatched a working team to Hubei to help coordinate rescue and disaster relief work.