Six people were killed, nine were injured and one remains missing in southwest China villages by rain-triggered floods and lightning strikes, local authorities said Monday.

A hailstorm amid heavy rain hit the village of Xiaolongdong, in Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province Sunday afternoon. Eight villagers who took shelter under a bridge to avoid the storm were swept away by surging floodwaters, local publicity officials said.

Three of the eight were confirmed dead, four the villagers were rescued, with two suffered severe injuries, and one was missing, the officials said.

In the nearby village of Xiaomi, two villagers were also swept away and died in the flood, officials added.

Furthermore, also in Zhaotong City, six from Shulin Village of Yiliang County were struck by lightning Sunday evening. According to local officials, one was confirmed dead, five were injured, with two in serious condition.

Heavy rains and ensuing floods have continued to plague southern parts of China, affecting millions of people and hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland.