Chinese Vice Premier Wen Jiabao Monday urged all localities to take effective measures to fight floods, protect people's lives and try to reduce losses to the minimum.
Wen made the demand at an urgent meeting in Beijing to review the flood situation in various parts of China. Eight major tasks were outlined at the meeting.
Since early June, torrential rains in southwest, northwest and south China have caused floods, landslides and mud-rock flows in some regions. Central government departments have sent working groups to the affected areas.
More rain is expected in upcoming days in southern China. The meeting called on leading officials in flood-hit provinces to strengthen leadership, closely monitor the flood situation, and prepare adequate flood control supplies and relief goods.
(People's Daily June 18, 2002)
