State Councilor Wang Yong, who also is head of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, recently inspected flood and drought control and relief work in Central China’s Henan province and hosted a work meeting regarding flood prevention in areas along the Yellow and Haihe rivers.

Wang urged related authorities to enhance decision-making, forecasts, prevention and coordination to ensure the safety of people’s lives and properties.

Wang visited Jiyuan, Jiaozuo, Xinxiang and Zhengzhou cities from July 22 to 23, and checked precaution work, flood-control project construction and emergency rescue preparation at main projects, such as the Xiaolangdi water-control project on the Yellow River and Hekoucun reservoir on the Qinhe River. He also visited the Yellow River flood-control and emergency rescue team in Central China’s Henan province.

He said flood control in the drainage basins of the Yellow and Haihe rivers is difficult due to hindering natural conditions and this year’s extreme rainfall, urging local authorities to stay vigilant and cautious about risks.

As the country has entered the major flood season of July and August, Wang asked all local departments to enhance their sense of responsibility, strengthen coordination, and jointly work on information sharing and integrated emergency responses.

Patrolling vulnerable areas, forecasting and a responsive alert system should be strengthened to prevent damage from heavy rainfall, floods, hurricanes, landslides and water clogging in cities, he said.

During emergencies, residents should be rescued, evacuated and resettled using every effort, Wang added, noting water use should be guaranteed and loss should be minimized.