The State Council, China's Cabinet, Wednesday urged local governments to step up their efforts to combat floods as the country faces a critical time for flood control.

The State Council made the appeal at its executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

"The situation is grave," the State Council concluded at the meeting, saying that the water level at the Yangtze River, the country's longest, as well as the water level in the Huaihe River and in Taihu Lake have exceeded their respective warning marks.

Local governments at all levels should attach great importance and promote their efforts to ensure the safety of the lives of the public and of their property, the State Council said.