Thousands evacuated in northwest China after heavy rains, flooding

HONG KONG, Aug 6: Heavy rains and floods in China's northwestern province of Shaanxi have caused roads to collapse, and damaged bridges and power and communications infrastructure, forcing the evacuation of more than 25,000 people in the past 24 hours, public broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday.

The broadcaster showed footage of roads eroded by flood waters and rescue staff helping to transport relief supplies, including water and rice by foot, in Shaanxi's Zhen'an County in Shangluo City.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the area, CCTV said. More than 140,000 people have been evacuated in Shaanxi since July 30, CCTV said, citing local authorities.

It comes as China braces for Typhoon Dolphin which is expected to make landfall along the country's eastern coast from Shanghai to Fujian between August 9-10. It is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.�" REUTERS