1st Ld-Writethru: Four officials suspended after deadly flood in N China province

Four government officials in north China's Hebei Province were suspended from their posts for dereliction of duty in coping with deadly floods.

Torrential rain and floods left 130 people dead and 110 others missing in Hebei by Sunday.

Public outrage mounted as many questioned why they were not informed of the impending floods, and complained the officials failed to organize evacuation before the flood crested.

The four officials included two Communist Party of China (CPC) officials in Xingtai city, a chief engineer of Shijiazhuang municipal bureau of transport, and a deputy head of Jingxing County, according to a decision made by the Hebei Provincial Committee of the CPC.

They will be subjected to accountability investigations and could face further punishment, according to the statement.

Dong Xiaoyu, mayor of Xingtai City, which was worst hit by the floods, apologized Saturday night for inadequate responses to the storms that caused 25 deaths and 13 missing in the city.

He said the government had underestimated the intensity of the rainfall, been insufficient in emergency ability, and late and inaccurate in disaster assessment.

The Hebei provincial government has dispatched a work group to launch further investigation and ascertain responsibility.

More than 150 soldiers were dispatched to build new roads to transport supplies to about 2,000 people trapped by flooding in Jingxing county in Hebei.

State Councilor Wang Yong arrived in Hebei on Sunday to oversee disaster relief and relocation following recent flooding.

Wang's mission was assigned by President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. He was accompanied by officials from relevant departments under the State Council, a brief statement said on Sunday. Endi