Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has warned provinces in South China to prepare for unexpected natural disasters this summer due to the abnormal climate so far this year.

In an inspection tour to counties in southern Fujian and Guangdong provinces which were badly hit by Typhoon Chanchu, Hui said they needed to prepare carefully for the ongoing rainy season and work out contingency plans for possible floods, droughts and other natural disasters.

He urged local authorities to speed up relief work for victims of the typhoon and also said local authorities should protect reservoirs and closely monitor geological change that might result in disasters.

Hui visited Zhangpu County and Longhai City, hit hardest by the typhoon, pledging that the government will try hard to help the victims.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2006)