Heavy rain disrupts traffic in southwest China

CHENGDU -- Torrential rain has disrupted rail and road traffic in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, leading to the cancellation of six trains and closure of more than a dozen highways.

A section of the high-speed railway that links Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, with Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi Province, was closed for checkups to ensure transport safety at 9 am on Monday, the China Railway Chengdu Group said.

The section between Chaotian and Guangyuan in Sichuan reported excessive levels of precipitation, it said.

Six trains running between Chengdu and Xi'an were halted and more passenger trains reported delays.

Meanwhile, sections of 17 highways were closed due to heavy rains, according to Sichuan's department of transportation.

Sichuan has been battered by heavy rain this summer. Meteorological authorities have warned the public to guard against potential disasters as the rain continues.

Several counties in Meishan received over 100 mm of precipitation within 12 hours from Sunday night to Monday morning, prompting the water in many small and medium-sized rivers to exceed the warning levels.