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)