Premier Li Keqiang presided over a meeting on flood control and drought relief while on an inspection tour of the Ministry of Emergency Management on July 19.

Premier Li enquired about safety production, natural disasters, and especially the ongoing floods.

Learning that staff members have been on duty 24 hours a day all year round, the Premier extended his thanks and asked for these efforts to be maintained.

The Ministry of Emergency Management delivered a report, with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Meteorological Administration making statements.

According to a comprehensive analysis, torrential rain has plagued many regions in China since flood season commenced, which induced above-alert-level floods in many rivers, causing severe trouble for flood control work.

The newly established mechanism for flood control and drought relief stays within its run-in period, which also poses a challenge.

Many parts of China, including the North, Northeast, and Southwest, will experience considerably more rainfall than average this year in the coming months, while certain southern regions may experience drought.

The Premier praised the flood control and disaster relief work done by local authorities and related departments.

The main flood season, lasting from the end of July to the beginning of August, calls for all departments to fight floods and droughts to the fullest, the Premier said.

Preparations should be made to follow up with changing flood situations, in a bid to safeguard people’s security and reduce losses caused by disasters, he said.

Premier Li stressed the importance of coordination and unified command in fighting flood and drought, calling for relative authorities to have a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork.

To prevent and fight against flood, governments must attach close attention to changes in flooding so as to make adequate preparations, Premier Li said.

Mechanisms of joint discussion and early warning should be enhanced to detect symptoms of disasters, and efforts should be made to strengthen weak links and find out hidden danger, he said.

It should be ensured that rescue teams and relief materials arrive in time, the Premier said.

Security must be guaranteed for dams and dikes of rivers and reservoirs, and risky and important segments should be guarded around the clock, he said.

Water conservation projects should be managed in a scientific way, he said.

Precaution also should be taken to prevent mountain torrents, landslide and debris flow, as well as typhoons that might move north, the Premier said.

Meanwhile, flood control and drainage should be enhanced in urban areas and main traffic lines and electricity facilities need to be protected, said the Premier.

If disaster happens, authorities should respond and take immediate action, arrange basic living conditions for people afflicted and help them resume production as early as possible, he said.

Later the Premier heard a report on quality education themed “stay true to the mission” for Party members of the emergency ministry.

He emphasized the importance of learning Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua, State Councilors Wang Yong and Xiao Jie, and head of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng also attended.