A lengthy rain that has soaked China's southern Guangdong Province since May 25 has killed one person and affected more than 30,000, the local authorities said on Thursday.

The victim was from Boluo County in the central Huizhou City. Detailed information about the death was not yet available, said the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.

The torrential rain had toppled 163 houses and destroyed 3,974 hectares of crops. Twelve industrial plants, including the Guangzhou Honda Auto Ltd and Dongfeng Honda Engine Factory, were forced to suspend production.

According to the provincial hydrological bureau which has been keeping a close watch, the water height on rivers and reservoirs across the province were still at safe levels.

While the rain continued to fall in Guangdong, the deluge was abating, the provincial meteorological bureau said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2008)