4 dead, 1 missing in south China flood

Four people have died and one another is still missing in a rain-triggered flood in Qingyuan City of south China's Guangdong Province, local authorities said Saturday. Qingxin District in Qingyuan has been worst hit by persistent heavy rain, which has caused four small- and medium-sized reservoirs to overflow. Rain has flooded nearly 483 villages and 12,300 homes, toppled 45 houses and trapped 454 residents, officials with Qingxin District said. In the district's Shitan Town, although floodwater has dispersed, more than 20,000 residents lack drinking water as a reservoir has been polluted, said Liu Minyi, an official with the township government. Heavy rain has battered the province over the past few days. Rescue efforts are under way.