Heavy rains force evacuation of thousands in southwest China

CHENGDU, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Constant rains since last week have forced over 7,000 people to evacuate from a mountainous area of southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to the local flood prevention headquarters.

Downpours have pounded Aba, a Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture since June 11, affecting over 45,100 people.

Direct economic losses amounted to 504 million yuan (about 74 million U.S. dollars), the headquarters said

Sections of highways, reservoirs and water conservation facilities have been damaged.

Disaster relief workers have been dispatched to patrol the mountains and respond to potential hazards.