Multiple people missing after rainstorms in East China

FUZHOU -- Multiple residents in East China's Fujian province are still unaccounted for after days of heavy rainfall, local authorities said on Friday.

Torrential rains brought by Typhoon Saudel caused secondary disasters in the Huating town, Chengxiang district of Putian city. According to an official with the township government, a number of residents remain unaccounted for, but the exact number is not yet clear. More than 100 houses collapsed in the town.

A dike was overtopped and breached at about 3 pm Thursday, flooding nearby villages and trapping residents.

A total of 1,261 people in the Chengxiang district have been evacuated, with 30 disaster shelters activated.

As of Friday noon, rain was continuing in Putian, with showers and thundershowers forecast for the afternoons over the next four days.