Flooding of the Yangtze River passed through the downtown area of Chongqing Municipality in southwest China on Saturday morning, rising water levels close to the danger mark.

Authorities said at least 11 people died and 21,500 residents were evacuated due to the new round of heavy rains and flooding in the area.

Heavy rains that began Tuesday have affected about 550,000 residents in 31 districts or counties, with some 23,000 hectares of crops being damaged and over 1,000 houses being destroyed, according to a statement issued by Chongqing's flood control and drought relief headquarters.

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