"In areas between the Yellow and Huaihe rivers, the regions in south China and eastern part of southwest China, rain fall will reach three to 20 millimeters during May 17 and 18," said Yang Keming from the central observatory of the China Meteorological Administration.

The parched north of the country has enjoyed the largest rainfall this spring, added Yang.

"Drizzle or moderate rain still lingers at the southern part of northeast China," he added.

Rainfall of 30-60 millimeters will be forecast in eastern parts of Jilin Province, most regions of Liaoning Province and areas southern of the Yangtze River, Yang said, adding that thunderstorms, strong winds as well hails may mingle with the rainfalls in some of the above-mentioned regions.

Rain is also forecast in most parts of northwest China and Tibet.

"The latest rainfall that swept most parts of the northern and western regions from May 14 to 17 is the heaviest one since spring," Yang said. "It would alleviate the drought and is good for the growth of the crops in these regions."

The rainfall has helped curb duststorms that sweep across the country from the desert and dry regions of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China and Gansu Province in northwest China.

As most farmers celebrate rainfall in the north, others are suffering in the south.

Nine people were killed and eight others missing after rainstorms struck coastal Fujian Province during May 13-15.

In east China's Jiangxi Province, more than 145 hectares of farmland was flooded and 59 houses were collapsed after heavy rain.

Flood rescue command centers in several provinces have issued notices to local governments to adopt concrete measures to prevent possible mountain torrents and landslides.

Yang warned against outdoor activities such as highland climbing during bad weather.

(China Daily May 18, 2005)