China to brace for heavy rains

Parts of southern and western China will be swept by heavy rains, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

Southern part of of south China will experience heavy rains or rainstorms Monday, with heavy downpours in some areas, said the NMC.

Parts of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Basin, as well as southern Shaanxi province will have heavy rains or rainstorms from Monday to Tuesday.

China's western areas will be gripped by continuous rainfalls until Saturday, with the cumulative precipitation in parts of Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei provinces and Chongqing Municipality topping 180 mm.

The NMC warned against potential geological hazards that may be caused by lingering rains.

Air cleaner, but smog remains a problem, minister says New forests help battle sandstorms