Heavy rains hit part of southwest China's Yunnan Province from Friday afternoon to Sunday, causing an evacuation of thousands.

The rain-triggered flood hit three counties in the Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Xishuangbanna, the prefectural government said. Some areas reported precipitation of 214 mm.

No casualties have been reported.

In a worst-hit town in Jinghong City, more than 5,500 people were affected by flood. Roads and bridges were also damaged.

The flood also inundated a local small power plant, causing it to stop operation.

The disaster relief work is under way.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2008)