2 dead, over 7,200 evacuated amid heavy rainfall in SW China

Two of the five people who went missing amid torrential rain that hit Zhaotong, a mountainous city in southwest China's Yunnan province, have been confirmed dead as of 6:40 p.m. Thursday, according to local authorities.

Search and rescue operations remain underway for the remaining three people who are still missing.

Since 7 a.m. Tuesday, sustained heavy rainfall has swept across most parts of Zhaotong City, severely affecting multiple counties, including Zhenxiong, Weixin and Yongshan.

The deluge in Luobu Township, Weixin County, led to the collapse of two houses.

Zhaotong authorities have launched all-out rescue and disaster relief efforts -- evacuating over 7,200 people to safety as of 7 p.m. Thursday.