Heavy flooding in China leaves 181 dead or missing

In this photo taken Saturday July 2, 2016, rescue workers evacuate residents after the Jushui river broke the dyke and flooded Tuhe village in Wuhan in central China’s Hubei province. The death toll from floods continue to rise as heavy rainstorms soak much of southern China. AP

BEIJING — Water levels are starting to recede in central and eastern China after days of heavy downpours broke levees, flooded cities and villages, halted public transportation, and left at least 181 people dead or missing.

China Meteorological Administration on late Wednesday said the city of Wuhan, which has 8 million residents and sits on the Yangtze river, had a record weekly rainfall of 57.4 centimeters (22.6 inches).

READ: More than 120 dead in China floods

Wuhan civil affairs officials have told state media that 14 people were killed and one was missing. Nearly 170,000 residents have been relocated, and more than 80,000 have been placed in shelters.

The National Ministry of Civil Affairs says 181 people were reported missing or dead by Wednesday along the river and in adjacent regions.

READ: 3 days of heavy rain in China leave 50 dead, 12 missing