XI'AN, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Strong winds and hailstorms since Tuesday have caused a direct economic loss of 100 million yuan (14.7 million U.S. dollars) in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, authorities said Wednesday.
From 4 p.m. Tuesday, torrential rains along with strong winds pounded counties of Pucheng, Baishui, Fuping and Yijun, with hail battering some parts of the region.
Major crops, such as apples, peaches, nuts and cherries, were seriously damaged, the provincial civil affairs department said a statement.
More than 95,000 residents were affected by the disaster, with 6,200 hectares of farmland damaged, the statement said.
Over 130 houses were partially or completely damaged, all in Fuping County, it said. The maximum wind speed reached 80 km per hour in the county.
The county government has sent a team for disaster relief response.
There have been no casualties so far.
