Natural disasters in China during May left 96 dead and caused economic losses of 12.8 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion), the most serious for a month in the last five years.

In addition, more than 1.24 million people had to be evacuated and a total of 50 million people have been affected, according to a meeting held by the China National Committee for Natural Disaster Reduction this week.

Li Baojun, an official with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said that last month, Typhoon Chanchu battered southern coastal regions 40 days earlier than usual, making it the earliest typhoon since the Republic of China was founded in 1949. It left 11 dead and caused huge economic damage.

Southern China has experienced frequent rainstorms, Li said. The number of storms ranks the second highest since 1960, and about 12 provinces including Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi have been plagued with floods.

Hail has hit central and eastern provinces, leaving 40 dead, according to Li.

Meanwhile, northern China continues to suffer from drought, which has resulted in a shortage of drinking water for 9.49 million people.

The drought has affected 12.1 million hectares of farmland mainly in northern and northeastern areas.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2006)