Two of the five previously reported missing individuals have been confirmed dead as of 6:40 pm Thursday after torrential rains hit Weixin county of Zhaotong in Yunnan province, local authorities said.

Since 7 am on Tuesday, Zhaotong has experienced widespread heavy rainfall, triggering severe flooding and landslides. The floods destroyed two residential houses in Heilong village of Weixin.

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Zhaotong has mobilized forces from all sides to participate in emergency rescue and disaster relief work. As of 7 pm on Thursday, over 7,200 residents have been evacuated to safety.

Search and rescue efforts are still underway for the three remaining missing individuals, the authorities said.