CHONGQING: Torrential rains and  floods have affected more than 3,000 people in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, the municipal flood control and drought relief headquarters said on Thursday.

Heavy rains since Wednesday had hit 29 districts and counties in Chongqing, with Dongsheng Village of Qijiang District recording the heaviest daily rainfall at 174.5 mm.

However, on Thursday morning, heavy rains triggered floods which created a havoc in 47 townships, with 3,055 people affected, 105 houses destroyed and 160.7 hectares of crops damaged. The direct economic losses are estimated at over 6 million yuan (about 0.95 million US dollars).

Authorities have evacuated residents and dispatched personnel to conduct rescue work.

Heavy rains are expected to continue until Saturday, according to the local meteorological observatory.  (Xinhua)