Over 1,400 relocated as downpours hit northeast China province

SHENYANG, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Over 1,400 local residents in northeast China's Liaoning Province have been relocated due to heavy downpours starting earlier Tuesday, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters said on Wednesday.

Three cities in the province, including Shenyang, Anshan and Liaoyang, have activated a Level III emergency response to flooding, the third-highest level.

From 7 a.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday, the average precipitation across the province reached 20.9 millimeters, according to the provincial meteorological observatory.

During the period, the maximum hourly precipitation of 91.8 millimeters was recorded in Pingshan District of Benxi City, while the maximum accumulated rainfall reached 224.4 millimeters in a village of Liaoyang County, Liaoyang City.

In the affected areas, a total of 2,750 emergency rescue teams with some 97,000 people have been mobilized to be on 24-hour standby.

According to the weather forecast, rainstorms are expected to hit some areas in cities such as Dandong and Jinzhou on Thursday. ■