HAINAN - Over 11,000 people have been evacuated in South China's Hainan province after heavy rain battered the island, the provincial flood control authority said Wednesday.

Heavy downpours started to hit Hainan on Monday, with a total of 46 townships affected, the authority said.

In the city of Wanning, over 78 villages were flooded, a highway section was inundated and all schools were suspended for Tuesday.

Fire fighters, border patrol and armed police are taking part in rescue operations. All low-lying areas have been cordoned off and several tourists destinations have been closed, the authority said.