Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu wrapped up his four-day inspection Sunday around the Huaihe River Valley, calling for increased efforts in preventing floods and drought to better protect people's lives and property.
Also director of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Hui said the year's variable weather and rainfall imbalances between the south and the north may expose the country again to the danger of both floods and drought.
At a work conference attended by delegates from Anhui, Henan, Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, Hui said the task of flood control and drought relief was still strenuous and all relevant departments must remain vigilant and take effective measures.
A massive overhaul must be launched nationwide to inspect the quality of all major water conservancy projects and emergency squads must be organized and disaster relief materials be stored in case severe floods hit, he said.
In regions prone to drought, efforts must be made to supply water for industry and domestic purposes.
Meteorological departments at various levels are required to make timely and precise weather forecasts to help predict floods.
(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2003)
