Thousands evacuated from China earthquake zone
Updated
China has evacuated more than 70,000 people from areas near the epicentre of last month's devastating Sichuan province earthquake.
Authorities say they are attempting to avoid further casualties from landslides and other disasters during the country's annual flood season.
Storms and floods in China's heavily industrialised south have already killed more than 170 people, while dozens of others are missing.
The storms are wreaking havoc as authorities continue their struggle to shelter millions made homeless by the 7.9 magnitude quake that struck the southwestern province of Sichuan on May 12.
The quake killed more than 69,000 people.
China suffers floods, droughts and other disasters across its huge landmass every year.
The State Flood Control and Relief Headquarters says the death toll so far is significantly lower than for similar periods in previous years.
