Heavy flooding in central and southern China has claimed at least nine lives and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.

Six people have been confirmed dead due to catastrophic flooding in Rongjiang County, located in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, local flood control authorities announced.

More than 80,000 residents have been forced to evacuate due to severe flooding in southwest China, according to state media reports on Wednesday.

Four boats capsized in a sudden storm on a river in southwestern China, leaving nine people dead and one missing, state media said Monday.