A devastating flash flood which struck a school in north-eastern China's Heilongjiang Province June 10 has killed 117 people, including 105 children, a local official said today. Besides the 109 victims reported when the rescue operation ended yesterday, eight more bodies have been added to the toll, said local government spokesman Wang Tongtang.
The flash flood, triggered by heavy rain, struck Shalan town in Ning'an city, submerging its low-lying primary school where 352 pupils and 31 teaching staff were staying.
Nearly 200 quarantine and medical workers are carrying door-to-door health investigations in the affected area and disseminating health information to locals to guard against possible epidemics.
No epidemics have been reported and rescuers are distributing relief materials and funds, Xinhua news agency reported. The government also plans to establish a new residential area on higher land to relocate the homeless flood victims. Many victims are living in shelter centres and tents.
Torrential rains and floods have claimed the lives of several hundred people, leaving hundreds homeless in the southern and southwestern parts of China since the rainy season started last month, said Xinhua.
More reports from China
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