Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua held a meeting in the Ministry of Water Resources during his inspection at the ministry on May 19. He stressed that flood control and drought relief should be well implemented to minimize losses and ensure agricultural production.

Hu stressed that it is an obligatory duty for departments concerned to stay alert to potential risks. All disaster prevention and relief measures should be well implemented to ensure people’s safety and a good harvest.

Water conservancy departments should further guard against mountain torrent disasters and other risks, as required by the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Hu said.

Primary water conservancy projects should play their part in disaster prevention and reduction, and drought-resistant water supply systems should be improved to protect farmland.

Departments responsible for agriculture and rural affairs should attach great importance to agricultural disaster prevention and reduction for ensuring both summer and autumn grain crops. Measures should be taken to reduce losses to fishery production caused by typhoons and quickly recover post-disaster activities, Hu said.

He required meteorological departments to build the first line of defense against floods and droughts through early warning, precise forecasting and timely notification. They also should enhance joint monitoring consultations and carry out weather modification operations when needed.