Vice Premier Hui Liangyu stressed that local government
departments should be fully prepared for flood control and drought
relief work this year, according to a recent meeting of State Flood
Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.
Hui, also chief commander of the headquarters, pointed out at
the meeting that China had suffered frequent, serious natural
disasters in 2006 but had nevertheless turned in a solid
performance on flood control and drought relief. As a result, the
nation saw grain production grow for the third consecutive year
together with increased income for farmers.
Hui said China experienced a warm 2006-2007 winter, with natural
disasters occurring in some areas.
According to meteorologists, China -- affected by El Nino and
global warming -- is likely to see more extreme weather incidents
this year, such as very high temperatures, droughts, rainstorms and
strong winds.
Hui emphasized that the safety of major rivers and reservoirs
should be monitored to protect cities against floods, the drinking
water supply should be guaranteed for urban and rural residents,
and losses due to floods and droughts should be reduced as much as
possible.
Weather forecasts and flood and rain monitoring should be
intensified, Hui said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)