Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged local governments to step up efforts in disaster prevention while heavy rains sweep the country's south and cause floods.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) talks to a local farmer during his visit to fllod-hit Ningxiang county, in Central China's Hunan Province, July 1, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wen made the call during an inspection tour to flood-hit Hunan province Thursday.

He told local officials it is a top priority to ensure the safety of people and asked them to help farmers resume agricultural production.

Guided by a farmer, Wen also inspected an area in Ningxiang County where cave-ins occurred during the floods.

Wen asked local officials to dispatch geological experts to find the cause of the cave-ins as soon as possible.

He said villagers whose houses have been damaged by the cave-ins should be compensated.

The government should ensure all relocated residents, especially school children, have a safe place where they can live and study, the premier added.