Torrential rains kills 25 in south China

At least 25 people are reported missingHundreds of thousands have been evacuatedLoss cost estimated at more than previous two floods combined

(CNN) -- Another round of torrential rains has flooded a once-drought-stricken region of southern China, killing 25 people and leaving 25 missing, authorities said Friday.

The flood has forced the evacuation of about 671,200 people and has affected 10 provinces and municipalities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs

In Zhejiang province, where the water level has exceeded the historic record set in 1955, officials have raised the disaster alert to the highest level. More than 2,000 soldiers mobilized for the emergency response in the area.

The Ministry of Finance has distributed about 130 million RMB ($20 million) for relief efforts in Hubei and Hunan.

This is the third round of heavy rains in the region this month, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The last round hit the area June 9, triggering floods and mudslides that left 77 dead and 31 people missing, authorities said.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs estimated losses stemming from the latest flood at 12.85 billion RMB (nearly $2 billion), more than the previous two floods combined.

CNN