All-out rescue, relief efforts urged
Xi calls for solid measures to safeguard lives
President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts on Tuesday in emergency rescue, medical treatment for the injured and the resettlement of affected people, after multiple regions were hit by severe flooding.
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also urged that every effort be made to safeguard people's lives and property while minimizing casualties and preventing secondary disasters.
Recent heavy rain and strong winds have caused dam breaches and landslides in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Hubei and Gansu provinces, resulting in heavy casualties and economic losses.
In the face of severe challenges posed by floods, Xi called on local governments and relevant departments to implement existing flood prevention measures, and thoroughly inspect and rectify potential hazards involving rivers, lakes, reservoirs and areas prone to geological disasters.
He also called for stronger monitoring, early warning and emergency preparedness, as well as solid disaster prevention and relief efforts.
Premier Li Qiang also urged authorities to strengthen monitoring of rainfall and flood conditions, improve hazard detection and early warning, and carry out emergency rescue and disaster relief with all-out efforts.
The Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee has allocated 60 million yuan ($8.8 million) from Party membership funds to support flood prevention and disaster relief efforts in five provincial-level regions.
Recent extreme weather has battered multiple regions across China, with record-breaking rainfall and landslides causing heavy casualties and widespread damage. Rescue operations continue as authorities race against time to save lives.
