China renews blue alert for rainstorm

BEIJING - China renewed a blue alert for rainstorm on Saturday as the torrential rain that had lashed most regions in the south showed little sign of weakening.

From Saturday to Sunday, heavy rain will continue in the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Fujian, with precipitation expected to reach up to 90 millimeters, the National Meteorological Center said in a statement on its website.

Some of these areas will also see thunderstorms, strong wind or even hails, according to the statement.

The center suggested affected people avoid outdoor activities and take precautions against possible landslides, mud flows and rock falls.