BEIJING — China's large and medium-sized reservoirs have played a major role in blocking floods and reducing disaster risks, according to China's Ministry of Water Resources.

The large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide have stopped 168 billion cubic meters of floods this year, Ye Jianchun, vice-minister of water resources, told a press conference on Sept 24.

The reservoirs saved 1,310 cities and townships and 2.26 million hectares of arable land from flooding, and prevented 21.48 million people from being evacuated, he said.

China this year was faced with the worst floods since 1998, said Ye, adding that the national average rainfall has been 438 mm since June, the highest level since 1961.

With accurate forecasting and science-based flood control, China has seen no breaches in the main streams of major rivers and important embankments during this year's flood season.

China will further improve its ability to prevent floods and other natural disasters, said Ye.