HEFEI, Aug. 4(Xinhuanet)- A heavy rainstorm has ravaged the northern part of east China's Anhui Province claiming four lives and affecting a population of 1.87 million, said the provincial civil affairs department Thursday.

Heavy rainstorms struck 13 counties in four cities including Suzhou, Bengbu, Huaibei and Fuyang in the province since Tuesday morning, with rainfall reaching 200 mm in the worst-hit areas.

The disaster afflicted 166,666 hectares of farmland and completely destroyed croplands of 24,666 hectares, the source said, adding that the direct economic loss caused by the accident was estimated at 500 million yuan(60.2 million US dollars).

Suzhou city was worst-hit by the heavy rainstorm. which floodedmore than 600 villages and stranded a population of 600,000, the source said.

The provincial government has organized immediate and forceful rescue and relief work and was trying its best to restore normal production and life as soon as possible. Enditem