BEIJING - China has earmarked 200 million yuan (32.42 million US dollars) for flood control work in the country's southern provinces hit by downpours, the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday.

The areas involved are Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian and Guizhou provinces, as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, according to the ministry.

The funds will be used for flood control and renovation of water conservancy facilities.

As of Monday, at least 37 people have died and six others remain missing after torrential rain hit south China.