Updated at 11:40 a.m. BJT

Thirteen people have been confirmed dead after a downpour-triggered flash flood hit a scenic area in central China's Hubei Province, local authorities said on Tuesday, with a missing person's body recovered on Tuesday morning. 

The identities of the victims have preliminarily been confirmed as tourists.

Updated at 5:15 p.m. BJT

12 people have been confirmed dead and one remains missing following a flash flood in a scenic area in central China, said the local publicity department.

Updated at 9:45 a.m. BJT

The death toll rose from seven to nine with four more people still unaccounted for from Sunday's flash floods, according to Xinhua News Agency.

A total of 61 people have been rescued so far during the ongoing search and rescue mission.

It's not currently clear how many people were in the area when the flood hit.

Early reports suggest all missing tourists have been rescued.

Updated at 8:45 a.m. BJT

Seven people have been confirmed dead in flash floods caused by heavy rain in a scenic area in central China's Hubei Province Sunday evening, local authorities said.

As of 1:30 a.m. on Monday, 51 missing tourists had been located. However, search and rescue operations will continue through Monday morning to rule out any other victims.

The flash floods swept through Duobi Gorge, Hefeng County, on Sunday evening. Local police responded to the report of missing tourists shortly after.

According to local media, Duobi Gorge is a relatively undeveloped scenic spot and is not fully open to the public, but some unlicensed local tour guides sometimes risk taking tourists into the area.

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)