Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has urged local governments and officials to continue their efforts in flood control.

Hui, also chief of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, warned that the country is facing a critical situation in flood control as the typhoon season is drawing near.

He urged local officials to prioritize people's safety, strengthen disaster forecast and ensure the security of reservoirs and hydropower stations.

Floods have hit many parts of China since May, causing hundreds of deaths and serious economic losses. The Huaihe River, the country's third longest, saw the largest flood since 1954 this summer, and the water in the middle reach of the Yangtze River also rose above the warning line.

According to Hui, the state flood control headquarters have sent more than 40 task forces to flood-hit areas, helping organize rescue.

The Ministry of Finance has allocated 1.48 billion yuan (about US$189 million) for flood control and drought relief.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2007)