(Yicai Global) Aug. 13 -- Some 21 people have died and four are missing after a record rainstorm hit Liulin town, Suixian county in central China’s Hubei province, in the past two days, the local government said today. More than 8,000 people were affected.

The heavy rainfall led to sever flooding that damaged more than 2,700 houses and shops, 221 of which collapsed, per the statement. Several roads and bridges were destroyed, and power and communications were cut.

The government dispatched more than 1,200 firefighters, police, armed police and locals to carry out rescue operations.

Liulin town is waterlogged due to severe flooding.

Firefighters evacuate a little boy with the help of a bucket.

Armed police from the Suizhou Detachment use rubber boats to rescue people.

Local residents help in the rescue operations.

Editor: Futura Costaglione