ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Three people, including two children, were killed as floods triggered by heavy rains swept through parts of Yemen, authorities said on Friday, warning of more downpours accompanied by thunderstorms.

The Interior Ministry's official media said two children, aged six and eight, drowned in floodwaters in the Jidfra area of Bayhan district in western Shabwa province. A man died in a separate incident in Tarim district of Hadramout province in the east.

Yemen's Center for Weather Forecasts and Early Warning said rains of varying intensity, along with thunderstorms, are expected over southern, eastern and western coastal areas, as well as the Socotra Archipelago. It urged residents to avoid valleys and flood courses and warned motorists of reduced visibility.

Heavy rains in recent days have damaged homes and property in Yemen. Earlier this week, part of the historic Eastern Fort in Saafan district of Sanaa province collapsed after severe rainfall. ■