A work team sent by the State Council, China's top governing body, has arrived at the flood-hit areas in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The work team was composed of officials from the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and ministries of civil affairs, finance and land and resources.

Before departure, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu gave instructions on relief work. Members of the work team have joined leading officials in Dazhou and Nanchong cities, two worst hit areas, in organizing rescue efforts.

Unusual heavy rainstorms over the past few days have killed 55 people with 56 others missing in the province.

Source: Xinhua