Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu has urged local authorities
along the Yellow River, one of China's major rivers, to make
unremitting efforts in flood control and also make a good use of
the river's water resources.
"The flood season of the Yellow River is not over yet, and new
major flooding is still likely to occur," said Hui, who also heads
the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, during a
two-day inspection tour in east China's Shandong Province Friday
and Saturday.
Hui said that this year some regions along the upper and lower
reaches of the Yellow River had already been hit by major floods,
but the local governments and people had fought a brave battle
against the floods and achieved initial success.
"However, we must remain highly vigilant and show no letup or
relaxation," he said, adding that a responsibility system should be
established in flood prevention and control.
He also urged local officials to show great concern for the
people affected by the floods and guarantee their safety, health
and living necessities.
During his tour, the vice-premier examined the Yellow River
embankments and heard a report from the Yellow River Conservancy
Committee, which oversees all water conservancy and flood control
affairs along the river.
He also supervised a water diversion program to transfer part of
the Yellow River water to Tianjin, a major industrial city close to
Beijing which has long suffered from a serious water shortage.
(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2003)
