5 dead in central China rain

WUHAN, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rain in central China's Hubei Province has left five dead.

The downpour forced the evacuation of 26,700 people, destroyed more than 8,500 houses and caused direct economic loss estimated at 4 billion yuan (about 608 million U.S. dollars).

Local civil affairs department has sent relief goods to affected areas.

An emergency response has been issued for heavy rain in the province.