Torrential rains have hit part of Hubei, causing landslides and disrupting road transport. More than 40,000 people across 14 counties in the west of the province have been affected with some 300 homes in the inundated areas being damaged, officials say. One person died after a house collapsed. Another is reported missing. More heavy rain is forecast over the next couple of days, but this is also expected to bring some relief to the drought persisting in southern and southwestern China.