Village officials distribute drinking water to residents at Zhaiping Village in Suojie Township, Shimen County, Changde City of central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

CHANGSHA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Continuous heavy rains have lashed Shimen County in central China's Hunan Province, leaving five people dead and 11 others missing, according to local authorities.

The severe downpour, the first round of torrential rains this year, began at 7 a.m. on Sunday. A total of 23 townships and districts have been affected, impacting 103,247 residents, the county's emergency response and work safety committee said.

Rescue operations are underway. ■

Local officials load emergency rescue supplies onto vehicles in Suojie Township, Shimen County, Changde City of central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Local officials transport relief supplies in Suojie Township, Shimen County, Changde City of central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Faculty and volunteers clear mud at a school in Suojie Township, Shimen County, Changde City of central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Residents clear mud and debris following flood damage in Suojie Township, Shimen County, Changde City of central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 20, 2026 shows faculty and volunteers clearing mud at a school in Suojie Township, Shimen County, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Residents clear mud and debris following flood damage at a tangerine plantation near the Xieshui River in Suojie Township, Shimen County, Changde City of central China's Hunan Province, May 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)