Thunder storm disrupts flights in southwest China

CHENGDU, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Fourteen flights have been cancelled and many passengers were left stranded due to thunder storm in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, the local airport said Tuesday.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport temporarily shut down both of its runways Monday evening due to heavy rain that hit the city at around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The airport cancelled 14 flights and directed another inbound flight to land at an alternative airport.

Local meteorological authorities warned of rainstorms on Tuesday evening that might further affect flights at the airport.

Sichuan has been battered by heavy rain in past months. The Chengdu airport has issued six alerts for flight delays this summer.