Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao personally telephoned Chen Liangyu, secretary of Shanghai's municipal committee of the Communist Party of China, to show his concern over the losses of lives and properties caused by Monday's rainstorm, local officials said Tuesday.

The premier expressed condolence to those who lost their lives in the storm and thanked the local residents for their hard work in rescue operations.

Wen told Chen that he hoped the city authorities would keep a close watch on weather changes and take all measures to prevent possible damages caused by rainstorm, typhoon and big tides.

Upon receiving the call, the officials said, Chen passed the premier's words, immediately, to leading officials of relevant municipal government departments and district and county

authorities, asking them to implement the premier's instructions quickly and do everything possible to minimize losses caused by disastrous calamities.

At about 17:30 on Monday, a sudden devastating rainstorm hit Shanghai, leaving seven people dead and 25 others injured. Gales and heavy rains damaged a large number of houses and factory buildings, affecting tens of thousands of local residents.

Twelve high-voltage cables were broken off and led to black-out in many parts of the city. All these cables have been repaired and are now in use.

The injured have received medical treatment and are in stable condition.