Classes for 65,000 schoolchildren have been suspended and 120,000 people have been evacuated as strong rains pounded central China's Hunan Province, local authorities said Saturday.

Heavy rains since Friday have swept across 36 counties and cities in the province, destroying more than 2,000 buildings in almost 800 households and damaging more than 10,000 homes. No casualties had been reported, said a spokesman of the provincial Civil Affairs Department.

The worst-hit Taojiang County, Yiyang City, had to close primary and middle schools for 65,000 students Friday in case of floods and other disasters, said Bai Chaohai, head of the office of Hunan Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

"Students are at home for the weekend. Classes will not resume next week until the heavy rains stop," he said.

Water levels of major reservoirs were below the maximum level, but experts warned the rapid rise of water levels could cause landslides along river banks.

The rain was expected to stop Sunday, but more rain is forecast from Wednesday.

Strong rainstorms in south China since early May have triggered floods and mud-rock flows, swollen rivers, burst dikes, threatened reservoirs and damaged highways, bridges and power facilities.

A forecast from China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) Friday said strong rain would continue to lash south China until Monday.

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