WUHAN - Heavy rains that started on Friday have left three people dead and affected lives of about 1.87 million residents in Central China's Hubei province, local authorities said Sunday.

The provincial civil affairs department said the downpours have also forced the relocation of about 114,000 people in 29 counties.

Vehicles stop before a flooded road caused by dowpours in Wuhan city, Central China's Hubei province on July 7, 2013. [Photo by Chen Zhuo/chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 7,000 houses have been destroyed or damaged and 151,900 hectares of crops have been affected. Economic losses are estimated at about 684 million yuan (about $111.6 million), according to the department.

The highest precipitation in the province reached 168 mm in 24 hours in Tuanfeng County, the department said.

The provincial government has distributed 3,000 quilts and blankets, 1,800 T-shirt and 50 folding beds to the worst-hit areas.

In addition, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has sent an expert team to supervise the rescue and relief work.