XI'AN, July 29 -- Ten people have died after a flood hit northwest China's Shaanxi Province, local authorities said Saturday.

Heavy rain hit Yulin City in northern Shaanxi from Tuesday night and caused floods in a number of areas.

More than 71,300 people were forced to evacuate, the provincial flood control headquarters said. Power supplies and telecommunications were disrupted.

By Saturday, the provincial government has allocated 50 million yuan (about 7.3 million U.S. dollars) to fight the flood. Yulin flood control headquarters distributed 5,000 shovels, 30,000 plastic bags and 15 power generators. Bottled water, instant noodles, steamed buns and disinfectant were also distributed.

On Thursday, China's second-longest river, the Yellow River, saw its first flood peak of the year.

The Yellow River Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters warned the provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan and Shandong to be alert to the peak flow.