Heavy Rainfall Claims 44 Lives
12 provinces and regions in China have been hit by severe rainfall since May 26, resulting in 44 deaths with 21 reported missing. The pouring rain has also caused power outages, traffic blockages, collapsed houses and landslides in many areas. Guangdong has also recorded a high rainfall level, mainly in Guangzhou, Huizhou and Heyuan. Many counties and towns in Guangdong's Huizhou city have been flooded. However, no deaths or injuries have been reported so far.

Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 68,858 
The Information Office of the State Council said that the death toll in China's major earthquake increased by about 340 to 68,858 as of Friday noon. Another 366,586 people were counted as injured and 18,618 listed as missing in the 8.0-magnitude quake that jolted southwestern Sichuan Province on May 12. About 15.15 million affected people in the quake zones have been relocated. China has received a total of 35,277 billion yuan in donations of cash and goods as of Friday noon.

Guangzhou Experts Carry Out Geological Hazard Analysis in Sichuan
A team from the Guangzhou Urban Planning Bureau arrived at Wenchuan County in Sichuan province today (May 30) to carry out geological hazard analysis and to measure the location planning of temporary houses. The work it estimated to be completed in 7 to 10 days.    

Tea Expo Opens in Guangzhou
The 2008 China Guangzhou Spring Tea Expo opened this morning (May 30) at Pazhou Zhongzhou International Business Center. It is the first time that Guangzhou has organized the tea expo in spring, in addition to the usual fall schedule. 
Secretary-general of the Guangdong Tea Industry Association, Zhang Liming, explained the reason for choosing this season:
[record] spring is the most important season for tea production, with the largest output and most categories; organizing the expo during this season can help facilitate trade. In addition, consumers can enjoy the best tea at the earliest time.
The expo will last until June 2nd.