China flooding kills at least 6, about 12 missing

Flooding in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan has left at least six people dead and 12 missing.

The state-run Xinhua news agency and other media outlets have reported that torrential rain on Friday and Saturday triggered flooding in Beichuan County.

Some 22,000 people have been displaced, while mudslides have destroyed residential buildings.

Severe damage to infrastructure, including roads, has been reported, while power and communications have been disrupted throughout the region.

Downpours from Monday through Friday last week in neighboring Gansu Province also caused floods, killing six people.

The Chinese government has called on residents throughout the country to be on the alert for possible flooding between July and August.