The death toll from heavy and torrential rainfall in southwest China's Sichuan Province has risen to 19 as of 10:30 PM Saturday, while 21 have been reported missing and 40 others seriously injured, according to the provincial disaster relief office.

The eastern and northern parts of Sichuan have had continuous rainstorms since Thursday, which triggered mountain torrents, mud-rock flows and landslides in over 20 counties.

The 24-hour precipitation in the county of Quxian county of Dazhou city reached 253.2 mm on Saturday, leaving six locals dead, seven missing and 37 others badly injured, with a direct loss of 156 million yuan (US$19 million), said the office.

Government department at all levels have launched emergency plans, organizing rescue operations and relocating local residents.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2004)