BEIJING, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Floods and landslides in southwestern China have killed 14 people, and another six are missing, the official Xinhua agency reported on Monday.

By Sunday evening heavy rains had destroyed more than 500 homes and sections of highways around the city of Zhaotong in Yunnan province. Schools, mines and factories were also damaged, the report quoted local officials saying.

In some areas, up to 15 cm (6 inches) of rain fell, and water levels in four rivers that flow through the city are dangerously high, Xinhua added.

Flooding is a perennial woe for southern China, and claims hundreds of lives each year.

AlertNet news is provided by