The three-day torrential rains and ensuing disasters in northwest China's Shaanxi Province left nine people dead and six others missing, said the provincial department of civil affairs Thursday.

The department said during the past three days the downpour triggered mountain torrents, landslides and mud-rock flows in 40 townships of 12 counties, affecting more than 300,000 people.

The disasters toppled down more than 35,000 houses and hit 349,900 hectares of farmland, causing a direct economic loss of 220 million yuan (about US$26.6 million).

According to the provincial meteorological department, the central and southern parts of Shaanxi will still suffer rainstorms in the next three days.

The local flood control departments are standing by around the clock for any new disasters.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2005)