BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- China's Liaoning Province has reported 15 deaths due to the massive floods in the north-east of the country. This brings the death toll in the area to 40 since Friday. Hundreds of thousands of people are engaged in relief efforts to deal with the worst flooding in the area in decades.

Downpours of up to 400 millimetres within 24 hours.

The results immense.

The economic losses caused by the floods are estimated to reach more than 6 billion Yuan. But that is only part of the story.

At least 40 people have been killed and 32 are missing. Dams damaged and businesses suspended. In Liaoning alone some 349 homes have collapsed and 139,000 houses damaged. About 100,000 people have been evacuated and nearly 800,000 affected.

In neighbouring Jilin, floods hit a residential community in Hongshi Township, Huadian City, on Friday, leaving 14 dead.

About 760,000 people across 28 counties were affected after water levels of seven rivers and 33 reservoirs rose beyond their danger lines.

In Heilongjiang, the water levels of the Songhua and Heilongjiang rivers have been on the rise over the past week. 11 flood-related deaths have been reported.

More than 170,000 people are engaged in rescue efforts across the three provinces. And more rainfall is forecast this week. Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang are major grain-producing provinces.

And, on Friday, Premier Li Keqiang said at an executive meeting of the State Council that more drought relief and flood prevention efforts are needed as autumn grain production enters its key phase.

(Source: cntv.cn)