BEIJING, July 24. /TASS/. At least 18 people died and another nine are missing in Central China’s Anyang city, Henan Province, Xinhua reported on Sunday, referring to local authorities.

"Last week's rain in Henan brought floods and disrupted traffic, power and telecommunications," the agency said. "Anyang was among the worst-hit where 192,700 people were evacuated and 54,600 hectares of crops were damaged. More than 35,000 houses collapsed."

"The city government has allocated 360 million yuan ($54 million) for disaster relief," local authorities told the agency. "Relief supplies including bottled water, food, quilts and tents were airdropped to eight villages which have been cut off by road."

More than 300,000 people are involved in the rescue effort, Xinhua said.