Heavy rain triggers mudslides

Muddy rivers in southwest China burst their banks.

Recent torrential rains in the region have flooded homes and forced tens of thousands to flee to higher ground.

State television also reported thousands more are stranded in Chongqing, prompting emergency crews to organize rescues.

Around 220 millimetres of rain fell in just 30 hours in the municipality, breaking a 1958 record.

The wet weather that swept in on Thursday also triggered landslides that have destroyed 8,500 homes, flooded roads and cut off power and water.

Meteorologists warn the rain will continue to batter the region through Monday.