China to change strategies in flood control, drought relief

China will strive to change its strategies concerning flood control and drought relief, said an official in charge of water resources at a symposium held in Fuzhou Wednesday.

Eh Jingping, director of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, said China will change the administration behind the way it deals with floods, instead of just treating the symptoms.

In the past, flood control hinges mainly on engineering construction aiming to alter the natural conditions, while drought was only combated in rural areas to ensure healthy development of agriculture and rural economy.

However, losses caused by flood and drought climbed up since 1990, accounting for more than four percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), higher than that in the developed countries.

According to the new strategies, the country will increase its capability in regulating flood by controlling it via scientific layout.

China will also fight a drought both in rural and urban areas by taking any possible measures, including amending the relevant laws, policies, administration, technologies and projects, to resolve the problems.

Source: Xinhua