Chinese premier underlines flood control, disaster relief

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) presides over a flood control and drought relief work conference during an inspection at the Ministry of Emergency Management in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2019. At the meeting, Li made arrangements for the current and next phase of flood control and disaster relief work. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called for solid efforts in flood control and rescue and relief work to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

Li made the remarks while presiding over a flood control and drought relief work conference during an inspection at the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM).

At the meeting, Li made arrangements for the current and next phase of flood control and disaster relief work.

Li asked the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and relevant local departments to make an all-out effort and to be fully prepared for possible challenges during the major flood season of July and August.

Efforts should be made to ensure the safety of people's lives and to minimize disaster losses, Li said.

The premier stressed the importance of integrated coordination and unified command and asked relevant departments and localities to enhance their sense of responsibility in flood control and drought relief.

Li demanded paying close attention to flood changes and preparation work of disaster prevention, strengthening forecast and early warning, and stepping up efforts to identify and rectify weak links and hidden dangers.

Flood control should be to the point, ensuring dike safety and scientific arrangements of water conservancy projects, Li said.

He asked relevant departments to do a good job in disaster relief and reduction and required quick response and prompt disposal, which include the relocation of residents and production resumption in disaster-hit areas.

Since the beginning of the flood season this year, heavy rainfall has occurred in many parts of China, with over-warning floods hitting several rivers, the MEM reported.

China's north, northeastern and southwestern regions are expecting rainfall much heavier than usual, while heat and droughts are likely to hit southern China, according to the MEM.