CHANGSHA, June 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Torrential rains and ensuing flooding early last week claimed 75 lives and left 46 others missing in central-south China's Hunan Province, according to the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters on Sunday.

    The torrential rains and flooding affected 4.19 million people and caused an estimated economic loss of 2.298 billion yuan (277.87 million US dollars) to the province, according to initial statistics from the headquarters.

    Torrential rains and ensuing flooding hit central and western parts of Hunan from the evening of May 31 to early morning of June1. Xinshao County, which was worst hit by the torrential rains, saw a maximum rainfall of 300 mm within three hours.

    The disaster affected 315 towns in nine cities and 37 counties of the province, where 67,000 houses were flattened and other 193,000 houses suffered damages of different degrees. More than 200,000 people were evacuated to safe places.

    The disaster also caused serious damages to local highways, water conservancy facilities and disrupted local telecommunications services, adding much difficulty to the rescue efforts.

    Buildings of 420 primary and middle schools, and of 67 medical care and health units were also seriously damaged by the rains andflooding. The disaster also affected 243,900 hectares of crops, killed 35,000 domestic animals and caused the loss of 17,000 tons of aquatic products. A total of 342 industrial and mining firms were forced to stop production due to the flooding.

    According to official sources, the central and local governments have attached great importance to disaster relief in the province, and relief funds and materials have reached the disaster-afflicted areas to help the victims.

    Currently, all disaster-affected people are well-sheltered and well-fed, the sources said, adding that medical services are available for all the sick and injured. Enditem