Three people were killed and 13 others injured Monday in a hailstorm mixed with torrential rain that pelted Dahua Autonomous County of Yao ethnic group, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local government sources confirmed on Tuesday.

Among three local folks killed in Yahe Villager of Guwen Town, one was hit by lightning and two others by the downfall of tumbled houses, the source noted.

Initial estimates show the hailstorm has affected more than 10,000 locals in 12 towns and townships and damaged about 670 hectares of cropland in Dahua county.

Local government departments have sent officials in a rescue operation to help villagers rebuild their homes and resume production.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2005)