A strong rainstorm hit east China on Tuesday and Wednesday, claiming at least one life and causing at least 200 million yuan (US$25 million) worth of damage.

The bureau of civil affairs in Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi Province, reported that further casualties were expected after hundreds of people in Pingxiang city were left stranded by floods.

An official with the bureau said 461 people in Nanchang were injured and 4,891 houses were destroyed, while 170,910 people were evacuated.

The bureau has begun distributing tents and quilts in the areas badly hit by the storm.

Thirty-one counties and cities reported rainfall over 50 mm between 2 PM Tuesday and 8 AM Wednesday, while Yichun reported 160 mm.

Jiangxi Provincial Meteorological Observatory predicted the rainstorm would continue for the next two days.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)