President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to fight floods and droughts and ensure solid work in disaster relief to safeguard people's lives and property as well as social stability.

At least nine people have been killed in southern China from heavy rains that triggered landslides, knocked out power for entire villages and buried crops.

Landslides triggered by severe flooding killed at least five people in the city of Meizhou in Guangdong province.

Fifteen others were missing, according to local media reports.

Four people were killed and two others were missing in Wuping county in Fujian province due to landslides caused by torrential rain.

Severe downpours started on Sunday afternoon, with authorities measuring 372.4 millimetres of rainfall over a 24-hour period.

In the southwestern Guizhou province, more than 1,100 people were evacuated due to flooding in several counties.

Meanwhile, northern parts of the country are battling drought, as the country faces two extremes of severe weather. (Xinhua/AP)
_____________________________
Last updated: 2024-06-18 HKT 16:35