BEIJING, June 22: At least 46 people have died in torrential rain lashing southern China as Premier Wen Jiabao called for an ‘all-out effort’ to combat floods devastating the area.

The 46 were confirmed dead in flash floods and landslides in three southern provinces and regions, with another 28 were reported missing, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency and China News Service.

In response to the rapidly worsening situation, Wen sent written instructions to flood control officials, ordering them to identify duties, improve emergency plans and enforce monitoring, Xinhua said.

Huge numbers have been evacuated in recent days to prevent even higher death tolls, state media said.

In southern Guangxi alone, 333,000 have been moved from their homes and taken to safer places, Xinhua reported.—AFP