Efforts must be made to ramp up flood control and disaster relief, to safeguard people's lives and property, Premier Li Keqiang said at the State Council executive meeting on July 21.

Many regions in the country have experienced heavy rainfall recently, and some areas in Henan were hit by torrential rain the day before. Severe flooding and rare urban waterlogging have caused heavy casualties and property losses, according to the meeting.

The nation is now in the main flood season, and heavy rainfalls are still forecast in some places.

Premier Li urged strengthening the accountability system, fulfilling responsibilities, and putting the safety of people's lives and property first.

Specialized forces should be mobilized, while funds and supplies should be allocated to help Henan in the search and rescue work, treatment of the injured, relocation of those affected, and aftercare of the victims, according to Premier Li.

Support for flood prevention and disaster relief in key areas must be increased, with more manpower and materials deployed. Inspections and elimination of potential dangers in big rivers and water conservancy projects should be strengthened, the Premier added.

He also stressed emergency response plans for transport infrastructure and preventing secondary disasters like urban waterlogging and debris flow.

Stepping up meteorological monitoring and warning, and making full preparations for unusual weather were also stressed by the Premier at the meeting.