Rainstorms and an ensuing flash flood that began Sunday evening left three people dead and three others missing in Danjiangkou City, central China's Hubei Province, according to the city office for flood control.

In another development, a passenger died of acute illness on a bus trapped by the flood, according to the office.

Rainstorms, the worst since 1975, pelted Guanshan Town of Mudanjjiang City from Sunday evening to Monday morning, damaging more than 400 meter-long of highways, over 1,500-meter-long river dykes and flattening 19 residential buildings, according to the office. Guanshan Town reported a rainfall of 148 mm.

More than 2,500 people trapped by the flood have been evacuated to safe places.

Rescue efforts are continuing in affected areas.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2005)