1.3 million suffer floods in north Xinjiang

Floods caused by rainfall and melting snow have affected 1.3 million people (including 13 dead and 2 missing) in northern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including Ili, Altay and Tacheng since late February, according to the Civil Affairs Department of Xinjiang.

The disaster has killed 66,600 domestic animals and destroyed 40,000 dwellings. To date, 184,100 local residents have been evacuated.

The CPC committees and the Chinese government at all levels have given top priority to disaster relief by issuing early warnings, mobilizing local residents to safe areas, dealing with emergencies in key areas and allocating tents and other disaster relief materials to the disaster-hit areas to guarantee the basic livelihood of flood victims.

Meteorological institutions forecasts that overcast and rainy weather will last until March 25 and the disaster may cause more losses.

Source:Xinhua