LANZHOU, June 19  -- Heavy rain in northwest China's Gansu Province has left one dead and forced 12,321 to relocate, the local publicity department announced on Thursday.

Several townships in Dingxi City suffered heavy downpours on Wednesday afternoon, with precipitation up to 86mm in some areas. Roads were blocked and more than 1,500 hectares of crops were damaged.

A total of 45,823 people from four townships have been affected by the heavy rain, according to local authorities.