Heavy rainfall lashes China, 137,000 affected

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Heavy rainfall in China's Anhui has affected some 137,000 people across the province's 19 counties, cities and districts, authorities said.</p>
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The torrential rains started battering Anhui from July 1, toppling and damaging houses, while also inundating crops and roads, according to the provincial emergency management department.</p>
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As of Sunday, the natural disaster had damaged 8,400 hectares of crops and led to 270 million yuan (about $41 million) in direct economic losses, Xinhua news agency quoted the department ass aying.</p>
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Authorities have allocated funds to help locals cope with evacuation, sending them beds, quilts, water and instant noodles.</p>