State Councilor Wang Yong called for all-out efforts in flood prevention, relief and rescue work to ensure the safety of people's lives and property and minimize loss.

Wang, also head of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, made the remarks during his visit to several cities in Central China's Hubei and Hunan provinces from July 15 to 16, as he inspected work for flood control and disaster relief in the Yangtze River basin.

Noting flood control work in the Yangtze River basin is in a grave state, Wang urged alertness and strong measures to safely navigate the flood season.

Wang also stressed close monitoring and around-the-clock shifts by all levels of officials to issue early warnings, detect and repair potential hazards and implement rescue and relief work in a timely and orderly manner.

He also noted rescue teams should properly transfer and resettle affected people and work hard to restore normality in flood-hit areas as soon as possible.