China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Wednesday warned of serious floods along major rivers, as the peak flood season began.

The period till mid August would be a critical time, and severe floods were likely at any time, said an agency statement.

Strong typhoons were likely to hit China, while widespread and torrential rain was possible, it said.

The statement said floods nationwide had left 183 dead and 36 missing since April 1.

Seven tourists died and 12 are missing after rain-triggered floods swept through a canyon in southwest China's Chongqing municipality on Sunday.

The agency urged authorities to closely monitor the flooding situation and improve forecast abilities.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2009)