The latest predictions from the central meteorological observatory say that areas to the south of the Yangtze River and most areas in south China will have moderate or heavy rains, with parts having rainstorms, over the next two days.

However, there will be an obvious weakening of the rainfall in southern areas, and strong rains will move north to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

The forecast shows that from tonight to Wednesday, heavy rains or rainstorms will hit Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guizhou provinces as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Some of these areas will suffer torrential rains, posing a new threat to the flood-striken areas in south China.

According to the forecast, the Huaihe River and the Hanshui River areas in south China will have drizzle or moderate rains from June 19 to 21.

Areas along the Yangtze River, including Sichuan, Hubei, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces, will get heavy rains or rainstorms in these three days, hindering flood prevention work.

Since June, floods have occurred in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Fujian, Guangxi and Guizhou due to heavy rainfalls, causing great danger to local residents and serious economic losses.

In addition, the forecast also predicts continuous rainfalls in north China. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northeast China and north China will have thundershowers, while Qinghai and Heilongjiang provinces will suffer heavy rains.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2002)