BEIJING — Vice-Premier Wang Yang said on March 23 the country must ensure the security of major rivers and reservoirs and the effectiveness of flood control measures in major cities.

Wang, also head of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, made the remarks at this year’s first plenary meeting of the headquarters.

China should ensure people’s safety, provide safe water for its residents, and meet the water need for production and environmental purposes, Wang said.

The country faces an arduous task in flood control and drought relief this year, Wang said, citing forecast of relatively poor weather.

Local authorities should step up construction of emergency flood control projects, improve monitoring and early warning, and make good use of water projects around the country, he added.