More than 1.17 million people have been affected in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region by floods triggered by continuous heavy rain that started on Saturday.

The floods have so far caused the region 700 million yuan (about 102 million U.S. dollars) in direct economic losses, according to the regional flood control and drought relief headquarters.

It said 22 counties in five cities -- the regional capital Nanning, Fangchenggang, Baise, Hechi and Chongzuo -- were worst hit, with 1,800 rooms and 87,000 hectares of crops destroyed.

The floods also cut off roads, shut down 17 factories and coal mines and damaged 68 reservoirs and 107 dams.

The rain has eased and is moving out of Guangxi, regional forecasts said on Tuesday.

Emergency rescue staff from the regional civil affairs department have been sent to the area.

(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2008)