9 dead, 4 missing in central China flash flood

WUHAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Nine people have been confirmed dead and four remain missing in a flash flood caused by downpour in a scenic area in central China's Hubei Province Sunday evening, local authorities said.

The accident happened at around 6:40 p.m. on Sunday in Duobi Gorge, Hefeng County. So far, 61 people have been rescued, according to the local authorities.

The identities of the victims have been preliminarily confirmed. Rescue operations are still underway.