In the wake of a major landslide accident in central China's Hubei Province, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged all localities and departments to work to prevent and control geological disasters.
Wen urged better forecasting of rainfall and water levels and geological disaster monitoring and warning.
In areas that have suffered geological disasters and areas at risk, local governments must seek the advice of experts and take necessary precautionary measures, said Wen.
He also urged the evacuees from disaster or disaster-prone areas be well looked after.
Sunday's landslide in Zigui County of Hubei Province resulted in 24 people dead or missing, as well as serious damages to houses, plants and boats, and blocked traffic and river flow.
(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2003)
