Heavy rains have hit the western part of Heilongjiang Province in the northeast over the past several days, causing heavy economic losses and creating hardship for residents.

　　According to the provincial meteorological station and water resources departments, the heaviest rains since the beginning of this summer hit Heilongjiang Province between Saturday and Monday, with the rainfall in some cities and counties exceeding 100 millimeters.

　　Six counties have so far been affected by floods, according to the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.

　　Flood damaged more than 33,000 hectares of crops, flattened 215 houses and affected 20,000 people in Gannan County. The floods also caused an economic loss totaling 57 million yuan (US.89 million.)

　　Meanwhile, sections of railway and highway in the western part of Heilongjiang were flooded.

　　Because of the heavy rains, the water levels of some reservoirs in Gannan and Yi'an counties are higher than the flood season warning levels. Local governments have begun discharging water from the reservoirs to lower the water levels.

　　The provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters has sent three expert groups to the affected counties to direct rescue efforts.

　　Meanwhile, two people were reported seriously injured and one is missing after a sudden rainstorm that hit Jiegu Town of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, in the northwest province of Qinghai early Tuesday night.

　　The rainstorm hit Jiegu Town at 7 pm, and the rainfall reached 10.8 mm within 40 minutes.