Severe Storms in China Kill 3 People and Destroy Farms

Chinese authorities announced on Sunday the death of three security personnel in the city of Wuhu, after a 450-ton crane fell at a shipbuilding yard on Saturday where they were stationed. Local media reported that the city of Nanjing experienced the fall of large trees on Saturday, crushing cars underneath and blocking roads. China Central Television stated that cold storms hit Wafangdian in northeastern Liaoning province, causing agricultural losses estimated at around 200 million yuan (28 million dollars). Authorities announced 10 measures aimed at increasing grain production after heavy rains damaged crops in Henan province in recent days. China Central Television mentioned that the measures include providing 275 million yuan in incentives to farmers to encourage increased production. These losses in the province, which supplies about one-third of China's wheat needs, may lead to increased grain imports by the world’s largest wheat consumer.